livedatalink
Server Details
182 real-time data tools across 36 domains: sanctions, SEC, courts, finance, cyber. Free tier.
- Status
- Healthy
- Last Tested
- Transport
- Streamable HTTP
- URL
- Repository
- blackboxfoundry/livedatalink
- GitHub Stars
- 0
- Server Listing
- LiveDataLink
Glama MCP Gateway
Connect through Glama MCP Gateway for full control over tool access and complete visibility into every call.
Full call logging
Every tool call is logged with complete inputs and outputs, so you can debug issues and audit what your agents are doing.
Tool access control
Enable or disable individual tools per connector, so you decide what your agents can and cannot do.
Managed credentials
Glama handles OAuth flows, token storage, and automatic rotation, so credentials never expire on your clients.
Usage analytics
See which tools your agents call, how often, and when, so you can understand usage patterns and catch anomalies.
Tool Definition Quality
Average 3.9/5 across 231 of 231 tools scored. Lowest: 2.7/5.
Most tools have distinct purposes and clear descriptions, but the sheer number (231) across many domains causes some potential confusion among similar tools like census_* or stock_quote variants. Overall, an agent can differentiate with careful attention.
Naming conventions are mixed: some domains use consistent prefixes (e.g., cdc_, fred_, nrel_), but the overall pattern is not uniform. Some tools have descriptive names, others are compound. No strict verb_noun pattern.
231 tools is excessive for a single MCP server. It tries to cover 50+ domains, leading to an unfocused and overwhelming tool surface. A typical well-scoped server should have 3-15 tools; this is far beyond that.
Some domains are well-covered (e.g., FRED, EDGAR, EPA), while others have only one or two tools (e.g., cargo_crate, npm_package). Coverage is uneven, and certain workflows may have gaps. Overall, it's a mixed bag.
Available Tools
232 toolsair_qualityAInspect
Get current air quality data for any location. Returns US AQI index, PM2.5, PM10, ozone, NO2, SO2, and CO levels with health category rating. Use this for 'what's the air quality?', 'is it safe to go outside?', 'pollution levels', 'AQI in Los Angeles', 'should I wear a mask?', 'is there smoke in the air?', or any air quality or pollution question.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| location | Yes | City, zip code, or place name |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description carries full burden. It explicitly states the return values (US AQI, PM2.5, etc.) and health category rating, providing sufficient transparency for a read-only query tool without side effects.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is one sentence that lists the returned data, followed by a list of example queries. It is front-loaded with the tool's purpose and is highly concise with no redundant information.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the tool's simplicity (one parameter, no output schema), the description fully covers what the tool does, what data it returns, and when to use it. No additional information is needed.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The single parameter 'location' is described as 'City, zip code, or place name' in the schema. The description adds value by showing example queries that demonstrate valid inputs, going beyond the schema's bare description.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states it retrieves current air quality data for any location, listing specific pollutants and health ratings. It is distinct from siblings which focus on topics like colleges, courts, or weather.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description provides a list of example queries that indicate when to use this tool (e.g., 'what's the air quality?'). While it does not explicitly state when not to use it or mention alternatives, the examples strongly imply appropriate contexts.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
bls_indicatorAInspect
US labor & price statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics by friendly name. Available: unemployment_rate, labor_force_participation, employment_population_ratio, cpi, cpi_less_food_energy, nonfarm_payrolls, avg_hourly_earnings, avg_weekly_hours, ppi_final_demand. Returns a monthly time series. Keyless official BLS data.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| end_year | No | End year (optional; defaults to current year). | |
| indicator | No | Indicator name, one of: unemployment_rate, labor_force_participation, employment_population_ratio, cpi, cpi_less_food_energy, nonfarm_payrolls, avg_hourly_earnings, avg_weekly_hours, ppi_final_demand. | |
| start_year | No | Start year (optional; defaults to ~3 years back). |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations, the description carries full burden. It states 'Returns a monthly time series' and 'Keyless official BLS data', but does not disclose data range, update frequency, or any limitations. Adequate but minimal.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Two sentences plus a list of indicators. Efficient and front-loaded with purpose. Slightly more verbose due to listing indicators, but avoids unnecessary detail.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
For a data retrieval tool with 3 parameters and no output schema, the description covers the return type (monthly time series) and data source. Missing details like data start year, but overall adequate for typical use.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100% with clear descriptions for all three parameters. The description's mention of indicators and suggestion of date range adds little beyond the schema. Baseline 3 is appropriate.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states it provides US labor & price statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics using friendly names, listing all available indicators and noting it returns monthly time series. This distinguishes it from the sibling bls_series tool which uses series IDs.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description implies use for common BLS indicators by name, but does not explicitly state when to use this versus bls_series or provide exclusions. The context is adequate but not directive.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
bls_seriesAInspect
Fetch any BLS time series by its raw series ID (e.g. 'LNS14000000' for the unemployment rate, or a state/industry series). For when you know the exact BLS series ID.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| end_year | No | End year (optional). | |
| series_id | Yes | BLS series ID, e.g. 'LNS14000000'. | |
| start_year | No | Start year (optional). |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations provided, so description must carry full burden. Only states 'Fetch any BLS time series' without disclosing rate limits, error handling, data freshness, or return format. Lacks critical behavioral details.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Two sentences, 28 words, no redundancy. Front-loaded with the primary action and includes an example. Highly efficient.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
No output schema; description does not indicate return format (e.g., time series data points). Partially complete for a simple lookup but lacks details on what the response contains. With 3 parameters and no output schema, more context is warranted.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100% with all parameters described. Description adds an example series ID and context but does not significantly augment meaning beyond the schema. Baseline score of 3 is appropriate.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
Clearly states the tool fetches a BLS time series by its raw series ID, with an example (LNS14000000). Distinguishes itself from potential siblings like bls_indicator by specifying usage when the exact ID is known.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
Provides a usage condition: 'For when you know the exact BLS series ID.' Implies alternative tools for when ID is unknown, but does not explicitly mention siblings or list when-not-to-use scenarios.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
book_detailsAInspect
Get full catalog metadata for a single book by its Project Gutenberg id (title, authors, subjects, languages, copyright, download count, and whether its full text is indexed here).
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| gutenberg_id | Yes | Project Gutenberg ebook id, e.g. 84 (Frankenstein). |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations provided, so description carries full burden. It discloses the fields returned but does not mention error behavior (e.g., when ID not found), rate limits, or whether it is read-only (implied). Basic transparency is present but not exhaustive.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Single sentence of 23 words, front-loaded with purpose, then parenthetical list of fields. No filler, highly efficient.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the tool's simplicity (1 param, no output schema), the description adequately covers what the tool returns. It lists many metadata fields but omits structural details (e.g., types, nesting) and error handling. Still, it is mostly complete for a lookup tool.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100%, so the parameter description in schema already explains 'gutenberg_id'. The tool description repeats 'by its Project Gutenberg id' without adding new semantics. Baseline 3 is appropriate.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
Description clearly states verb 'Get' + resource 'full catalog metadata for a single book by its Project Gutenberg id', listing specific fields (title, authors, etc.). This distinguishes it from sibling tools like book_search (search multiple) and book_get_text (get text).
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
Implies usage when you have a Gutenberg ID and need metadata. However, no explicit guidance on when to use this over book_search, book_status, or other book-related tools. Alternatives are not mentioned.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
book_fulltext_searchAInspect
Search INSIDE the indexed corpus of top public-domain books for a phrase or keywords and get back the matching passages, each with the book title, author, and a snippet around the match. This is the headline feature: agents can find where a passage appears across great books. Optionally restrict to one book by gutenberg_id.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| limit | No | Maximum passages to return (default 10, max 50). | |
| query | Yes | Phrase or keywords to find inside the books, e.g. 'it was the best of times', 'whale'. | |
| gutenberg_id | No | Optional: restrict the search to a single indexed book by its Gutenberg id. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description carries full behavioral disclosure burden. It explains the return format (passages with title, author, snippet) and mentions default/max limit, but lacks details on rate limits, error handling, or behavior for missing queries.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is two sentences, efficiently conveying the core functionality and optional restriction. It is front-loaded and every sentence adds value, though a bulleted structure could improve scanability. Still, very concise.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the tool's moderate complexity, the description adequately explains input (query, limit, optional gutenberg_id) and output (passages with metadata). No output schema exists, but the description compensates by stating the return format. Edge cases are not addressed, but overall completeness is high for a search tool.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The input schema has 100% coverage, but the description adds value by clarifying that query is a phrase or keywords, and that gutenberg_id restricts to a single book. It also explicitly ties parameters to the output (passages with book title, author, snippet), enhancing understanding beyond schema alone.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states that the tool searches inside books for phrases/keywords and returns passages with book title, author, and snippet. It distinguishes itself from sibling tools like book_search (metadata search) and book_get_text (full text) by focusing on internal content search with snippet results.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description positions this as the 'headline feature' for finding passages across books, but does not explicitly state when to avoid using it or compare with similar sibling tools like paper_fulltext_search or caselaw_opinion_text. Guidance is implied but not comprehensive.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
book_get_textAInspect
Return the full text of an indexed book by Gutenberg id, paginated by passage. Use from_seq + max_passages to page through it. For books in the catalog that are NOT indexed locally, returns the public gutenberg.org plain-text URL so the agent can fetch it directly.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| from_seq | No | Passage index to start from (0-based, default 0). | |
| gutenberg_id | Yes | Project Gutenberg ebook id. | |
| max_passages | No | Maximum passages to return per call (default 40, max 200). |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations, the description discloses key behaviors: pagination mechanism, fallback URL for unindexed books, and the source (Gutenberg). It does not mention error handling or rate limits, but covers the main operational aspects.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Two succinct sentences deliver all necessary information without repetition. Every word serves a purpose.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given no output schema, the description explains the two types of returns (full text or URL). Covers pagination and fallback. Could mention output format but is sufficient for agent use.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100% with clear descriptions for each parameter. The description reinforces pagination usage but adds little beyond the schema. Baseline of 3 is appropriate.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
Clearly states the tool returns full text of an indexed book by Gutenberg ID with pagination, and specifies fallback behavior for non-indexed books. Distinguishes from sibling tools by focusing on text retrieval rather than metadata or search.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
Provides explicit instructions for pagination using from_seq and max_passages, and explains fallback to a plain-text URL for non-indexed books. While it doesn't explicitly say when not to use, the guidance is clear and actionable.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
book_searchAInspect
Search the full Project Gutenberg catalog (~78,500 public-domain books) live via Gutendex by title / author / subject keyword, with optional author, subject, and language filters. Ranked by keyword relevance then download popularity. Returns each book's Gutenberg id, title, author(s), language, and download count. Use book_fulltext_search to search inside the locally indexed top books.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| limit | No | Maximum rows to return (default 25, max 100). | |
| query | No | Title / author / subject keyword, e.g. 'frankenstein', 'sherlock holmes', 'astronomy'. | |
| author | No | Optional author-name fragment, e.g. 'Shelley', 'Twain'. | |
| subject | No | Optional subject fragment, e.g. 'Science fiction', 'Detective'. | |
| language | No | Optional language code filter, e.g. 'en', 'fr'. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations provided, the description must disclose behavioral traits. It does well by explaining the live nature of the search, ranking by relevance then popularity, and the exact return fields. However, it omits rate limits or authentication requirements, though these are likely not applicable.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is concise with four focused sentences. It front-loads the core search capability, then adds ranking and return details, and ends with a usage guideline. No unnecessary words.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given no output schema, the description lists return fields (Gutenberg id, title, author(s), language, download count) which is helpful. It also mentions catalog size and live data. It could mention the default limit, but the schema covers that.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The input schema already provides detailed descriptions for all 5 parameters (100% coverage). The description adds that ranking is by relevance then popularity, which provides context beyond the schema, but does not significantly enhance parameter meaning.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states that this tool searches the full Project Gutenberg catalog live via Gutendex by keyword, with optional filters. It distinguishes itself from the sibling tool book_fulltext_search by explicitly directing users to that tool for full-text search.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description explicitly provides guidance on when to use an alternative: 'Use book_fulltext_search to search inside the locally indexed top books.' This helps the agent choose between similar tools.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
book_statusAInspect
Report the books store status: the catalog is served live via Gutendex (78,000+ books), plus the local D1 indexed-corpus counts (books with full text indexed, total indexed passages, last refresh timestamp).
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
No parameters | |||
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations exist; description discloses the tool returns catalog source info and corpus counts. However, it doesn't mention performance, freshness, or any side effects. Adequate but not highly transparent.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is a single, well-structured sentence that front-loads the verb and purpose. No unnecessary words.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given no parameters and no output schema, the description adequately explains what the tool returns. Missing output format details, but sufficient for agent understanding.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The tool has zero parameters; baseline is 4. No additional parameter info needed beyond the schema.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool reports the books store status, specifying components (Gutendex catalog and D1 indexed-corpus counts). It distinguishes from sibling tools like book_search or book_details which are for specific book queries.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
Usage is implied for status overview, but no explicit when-to-use or alternatives are mentioned. With many sibling tools, more guidance would help.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
cargo_crateAInspect
Look up a Rust crate on crates.io: latest version, description, total downloads, repository, and homepage. Keyless.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| name | Yes | Crate name, e.g. 'serde'. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description carries the full burden. It mentions 'Keyless' (no auth needed) and lists output fields, but does not explicitly state that the tool is read-only or non-destructive, nor does it discuss rate limits or data freshness. For a simple lookup, the behavioral disclosure is minimal.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is two sentences, front-loading the purpose and key output fields. Every word is necessary; no redundancy or filler. Ideal conciseness.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the low complexity (1 parameter, no output schema, no nested objects), the description is fairly complete. It lists the expected return fields (version, description, downloads, etc.) which compensates for the missing output schema. Minor gap: no mention of error handling or case sensitivity of the crate name.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100% (the only parameter 'name' is fully described). The description adds no extra meaning beyond the schema—it merely repeats the lookup purpose. Baseline score of 3 is appropriate as the schema already provides adequate parameter documentation.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the verb 'Look up' and the resource 'Rust crate on crates.io', listing specific fields returned (version, downloads, etc.). It distinguishes itself from sibling package tools like npm_package by explicitly targeting Rust crates.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description implies usage for Rust crate lookups but does not provide explicit guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives (e.g., npm_package, pypi_package). No exclusions or prerequisites are mentioned.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
caselaw_case_detailsAInspect
Get full metadata for a single case by its CAP id (name, citations, court, jurisdiction, decision date, reporter location, and the source URL for its full text).
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| id | Yes | CAP case id, e.g. 11301409 (Brown v. Board of Education). |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description must convey behavioral traits. It uses 'Get' which implies a read-only operation, and lists the metadata returned, suggesting no side effects. However, it does not explicitly confirm it is safe, idempotent, or clarify rate limits or authentication needs.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is a single, well-structured sentence of about 20 words. It is front-loaded and contains no superfluous information, earning its place.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the tool's low complexity (one required parameter, no output schema), the description lists the fields returned and the identifier. It does not specify the format (e.g., JSON) or error conditions, but it is largely sufficient for an agent to understand and invoke the tool.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The input schema covers the single parameter 'id' with a description and example. The schema description coverage is 100%. The tool description merely reiterates the role of the CAP id and lists return fields, adding minimal meaning beyond the schema.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the action ('Get'), the resource ('full metadata for a single case'), and the identifier ('CAP id'). It distinguishes this tool from siblings like caselaw_search or caselaw_opinion_text by focusing on retrieving metadata for a specific case.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description implies use when you have a CAP id, but does not explicitly state when not to use it or provide alternatives. It mentions the fields returned, which helps contextualize its use, but lacks direct guidance on tool selection.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
caselaw_citation_lookupAInspect
Resolve a reporter citation (e.g. '347 U.S. 483', '347 U. S. 483', '384 U.S. 436') to the case it identifies. Matches official and parallel citations. Returns the case metadata including its CAP id for use with caselaw_opinion_text.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| citation | Yes | A reporter citation, e.g. '347 U.S. 483'. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description carries the full burden. It states it returns case metadata including CAP id but does not disclose error handling, rate limits, or authentication requirements.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is two sentences, front-loading the action and examples, with no redundant information. Every part earns its place.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
For a simple tool with one parameter and no output schema, the description covers the core function and hints at output structure (CAP id). It could mention more about the full return value, but it's sufficient for most use cases.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100% (one parameter described). The description adds example citations and mentions parallel citations, but this adds limited value beyond the schema's description.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool resolves a reporter citation to its case, with examples of citations. It distinguishes from sibling tools like caselaw_search and caselaw_opinion_text by focusing on citation resolution.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description implies when to use the tool (when you have a citation) but does not explicitly state when not to use it or provide alternatives. It lacks explicit guidance on trade-offs.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
caselaw_opinion_textAInspect
Fetch the full opinion text of a case on demand by its CAP id. Text is retrieved live from the public-domain CAP static mirror (not stored), and includes each opinion (majority, dissent, concurrence) with its author. Use max_chars to bound the response.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| id | Yes | CAP case id (from caselaw_search / caselaw_citation_lookup). | |
| max_chars | No | Maximum total characters of opinion text (default 50000, max 500000). |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description carries the full burden. It discloses that text is retrieved live from a static mirror (not stored) and includes each opinion with author. But it lacks details on error handling, rate limits, or response format, which are important for a read tool with no output schema.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is three concise sentences, front-loaded with the core purpose, followed by behavioral and parameter guidance. No extraneous information; every sentence earns its place.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
The tool has no output schema and no annotations. The description covers source, content, and max_chars, but does not describe the response format (e.g., plain text vs JSON) or handle edge cases. For a simple retrieval tool, it is adequate but not fully complete.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The schema coverage is 100%, so the baseline is 3. The description adds minimal value beyond the schema, only reiterating the use of max_chars to bound response. No new semantic info is provided.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states it fetches opinion text for a given CAP id, distinguishes from siblings like caselaw_case_details (metadata) and caselaw_search (finding IDs). It is specific and aligned with the tool name.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description implies usage when you have a CAP id from caselaw_search or caselaw_citation_lookup and mentions using max_chars to bound response. However, it does not explicitly state when not to use or contrast with siblings, leaving some room for ambiguity.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
caselaw_searchAInspect
Search US court opinions (Caselaw Access Project, public domain) by case name / keyword, court, jurisdiction, and decision-date range. Returns matching case metadata with CAP ids and citations. Use caselaw_opinion_text with a returned id to read the full opinion. Note: v1 index covers the U.S. Reports reporter (official US Supreme Court reporter).
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| court | No | Optional court-name fragment, e.g. 'Supreme Court'. | |
| limit | No | Maximum rows to return (default 25, max 100). | |
| query | No | Case name or keyword, e.g. 'Brown Board Education', 'Miranda'. | |
| end_date | No | Optional ISO date upper bound (YYYY-MM-DD). | |
| start_date | No | Optional ISO date lower bound (YYYY-MM-DD). | |
| jurisdiction | No | Optional jurisdiction fragment, e.g. 'United States'. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description carries the full burden. It discloses the scope limitation (v1 index covers U.S. Reports) but does not cover rate limits, authentication, or details about the return structure beyond metadata.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Two sentences plus a short note, front-loaded with purpose and followed by output and usage guidance. No filler or redundant information.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given 6 parameters, no required ones, and no output schema, the description adequately explains what it returns (metadata with IDs and citations) and the index scope. It is complete for a search tool.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100%, so baseline is 3. The description adds concrete examples (e.g., 'Brown Board Education', 'Supreme Court') and clarifies ISO date format, going beyond the schema descriptions.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool searches US court opinions by case name/keyword, court, jurisdiction, and date range, returning metadata with IDs and citations. It distinguishes itself from the sibling caselaw_opinion_text by indicating it returns IDs for full-text retrieval.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description advises using caselaw_opinion_text with returned IDs, but does not explicitly contrast with other court search siblings or state when not to use this tool. The scope note (v1 index covers U.S. Reports) provides useful contextual guidance.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
cdc_dataset_queryAInspect
Generic SoQL query against any data.cdc.gov dataset. Use this when none of the curated tools fit. Accepts a 4x4 Socrata ID and a where-clause. SoQL reference: https://dev.socrata.com/docs/queries/
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| limit | No | Max rows (default 50) | |
| order | No | SoQL order clause (e.g. 'date DESC') | |
| where | No | SoQL where clause (e.g. "state='Texas' AND year=2024") | |
| select | No | SoQL select clause (default '*') | |
| dataset | Yes | Socrata 4x4 dataset ID (e.g. 'muzy-jte6') |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description bears the full burden of behavioral disclosure. It mentions the tool accepts a Socrata ID and where-clause but does not indicate whether it is read-only, any rate limits, response size, or query safety. The description is insufficient for safe agent use.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Two sentences and a link, no fluff. The key purpose and fallback role are front-loaded. Very efficient.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
The description explains purpose and usage, but lacks details on return format, parameter defaults, or examples. For a generic query tool with no output schema, more context would be beneficial, but it covers the essentials.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100%, so each parameter has a description. The description adds context for 'dataset' (4x4 Socrata ID) and 'where' (SoQL where clause), but other parameters are only described in the schema. The description adds marginal value beyond the schema.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states it is a generic SoQL query tool for any CDC dataset, and explicitly positions it as a fallback when curated tools don't fit, which distinguishes it from the many sibling tools.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
Explicitly states 'Use this when none of the curated tools fit', providing clear context. A link to SoQL reference is included, but there is no direct guidance on when not to use it or mention of alternative tools.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
cdc_drug_overdose_deathsAInspect
CDC drug overdose deaths by state and indicator (9j2v-jamp). 12-month rolling counts. Useful for opioid/fentanyl/stimulant policy research and treatment-program siting.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| limit | No | Max rows (default 50) | |
| indicator | No | Drug class (e.g. 'Opioids (T40.0-T40.4,T40.6)', 'Synthetic opioids, excl. methadone (T40.4)') | |
| state_name | No | Full state name |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations provided, so description carries full burden. Mentions '12-month rolling counts' as a behavioral trait, but does not disclose whether the tool is read-only, idempotent, or any rate limits. Since it's a data query tool, safety profile is implied but not explicit.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Three short sentences, each with distinct value: data source, temporal aggregation, and use cases. No fluff, front-loaded with essential info.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
With 3 optional params and no output schema, the description covers purpose, key feature (rolling counts), and use cases. Missing details on output format or pagination, but adequate for a simple query tool.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100% with clear parameter descriptions. The tool description does not add additional meaning beyond the schema. Baseline 3 is appropriate.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
Clearly states the tool retrieves CDC drug overdose deaths by state and indicator, with 12-month rolling counts. It differentiates from sibling CDC mortality tools like cdc_leading_causes_of_death by focusing on overdose deaths and mentioning state/indicator filters.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
Provides explicit use cases: opioid/fentanyl/stimulant policy research and treatment-program siting. However, it does not specify when to avoid using this tool or mention alternative tools like cdc_weekly_deaths_by_state.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
cdc_excess_deaths_covidBInspect
CDC excess deaths associated with COVID-19 (xkkf-xrst). Modeled expected vs observed deaths by state and week. Used to estimate true pandemic impact beyond reported COVID deaths.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| limit | No | Max rows (default 50) | |
| state | No | Full state name (e.g. 'Texas') or 'United States' | |
| outcome | No | Outcome (e.g. 'All causes', 'All causes, excluding COVID-19') |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations provided, the description must carry the burden of behavioral transparency. It mentions the tool uses a statistical model to compare expected vs observed deaths, but omits details on data update frequency, authorization requirements, rate limits, or the structure of the output (e.g., columns returned). This leaves the agent with limited understanding of tool behavior.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is two sentences, each providing essential information: dataset identifier and purpose. No redundant or unnecessary words. Efficient and front-loaded.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the absence of output schema, the description does not explain the return format (e.g., columns, structure). While the purpose is clear, the agent lacks information about what data will be returned and how to interpret it. Adequate but incomplete for a data-returning tool.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The input schema covers 100% of parameters with descriptions. The description adds context that the data is by state and week, but does not significantly enhance the meaning beyond the schema. Baseline is 3 for high coverage, and the description does not justify a higher score.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool provides modeled expected vs observed deaths by state and week, with the purpose of estimating pandemic impact beyond reported COVID deaths. It is specific about the data source (CDC excess deaths dataset xkkf-xrst) and what it does, but does not explicitly differentiate from sibling CDC tools like cdc_weekly_deaths_by_state.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description implies usage for estimating true pandemic impact, but does not provide explicit when-to-use or when-not-to-use conditions, nor does it mention alternative tools. The usage is implied rather than guided.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
cdc_flu_surveillanceAInspect
CDC FluView state-level influenza surveillance (vh55-3he6). Returns weekly ILI (influenza-like illness) activity levels per state.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| limit | No | Max rows (default 50) | |
| season | No | Flu season (e.g. '2023-24') | |
| statename | No | Full state name |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description must fully disclose behavioral traits. It states the return of weekly ILI activity levels per state, but fails to mention data update frequency, potential latency, or that the data is provisional. The addition of the dataset ID (vh55-3he6) is helpful but incomplete for full transparency.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is a single, well-structured sentence of 15 words. It front-loads the source name and dataset ID, making it efficient and easy to scan. Every word serves a purpose.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
The tool has three optional parameters and no output schema. The description does not specify what the output contains (e.g., columns like state, week, activity level). While it provides the core purpose, it lacks information about the expected return format, which is important for a data retrieval tool.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100% with each parameter described in the input schema. The description adds no additional meaning beyond the schema, so the baseline score of 3 is appropriate.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool provides CDC FluView state-level influenza surveillance data, specifically weekly ILI activity levels per state. It effectively distinguishes this from other CDC tools like cdc_vaccination_coverage or cdc_weekly_deaths_by_state by naming the exact dataset and data type.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description implies usage for obtaining weekly ILI activity by state, but it does not provide explicit guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives, nor does it mention any prerequisites or exclusions. The context is clear but lacks directive information.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
cdc_leading_causes_of_deathBInspect
NCHS leading causes of death by state (bi63-dtpu). Returns total deaths and age-adjusted death rates per cause per state per year. Useful for chronic disease + injury mortality research.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| year | No | Year | |
| limit | No | Max rows (default 50) | |
| state | No | Full state name or 'United States' | |
| cause_name | No | Cause name (e.g. 'Heart disease', 'Cancer', 'Suicide') |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description carries the full burden. It states the tool returns death counts and rates, implying a read operation, but does not explicitly confirm read-only behavior or disclose any other behavioral traits (e.g., data freshness, pagination, permission requirements). For a query tool, this is insufficient transparency.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is concise: two sentences with no waste. The first sentence identifies the data source and identifier, the second explains the output and use case. Information is front-loaded and easy to scan.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the tool has four parameters (none required) and no output schema, the description covers the key output (deaths and rates) and intended research areas. It is complete enough for a straightforward data retrieval tool, though it could mention defaults (e.g., limit) or output structure.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
All four parameters have descriptions in the schema (100% coverage). The description's phrase 'per cause per state per year' reinforces the parameter roles but does not add new meaning beyond the schema. Baseline 3 is appropriate as the schema already documents the parameters well.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states that the tool returns total deaths and age-adjusted death rates by cause, state, and year. It uses specific verbs and identifies the resource (NCHS leading causes of death). While it doesn't explicitly differentiate from sibling CDC tools like cdc_drug_overdose_deaths, the focus on 'leading causes' and 'chronic disease + injury mortality' provides context that distinguishes it.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description mentions it is 'useful for chronic disease + injury mortality research,' which gives a hint about appropriate use cases. However, it lacks explicit guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives (e.g., other CDC mortality tools), and there is no mention of when not to use it or any prerequisites.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
cdc_outbreak_reportsAInspect
CDC NORS foodborne / waterborne / enteric outbreak reports (iezt-77pi). Returns outbreak date, state, etiology, illnesses, hospitalizations, deaths, and implicated food/exposure.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| year | No | Outbreak year | |
| limit | No | Max rows (default 50) | |
| state | No | Full state name | |
| etiology | No | Causative agent (e.g. 'Salmonella', 'Norovirus', 'E. coli') |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description carries full burden. It does not disclose read-only behavior, pagination, rate limits, or any side effects. The description only lists return fields without behavioral context.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is a single sentence that efficiently conveys the data source, scope, and key fields. It is front-loaded with the source name and ID, and every phrase adds value.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
The description gives a good overview of return fields but lacks details on how parameters interact (e.g., year vs. state) and any limitations (e.g., maximum rows beyond the default 50). With no output schema or annotations, more context would be helpful.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100% with parameter descriptions. The description adds value by listing the return fields (date, state, etiology, etc.), which is not in the schema. However, it does not clarify parameter relationships or constraints beyond schema.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool returns CDC NORS foodborne/waterborne/enteric outbreak reports, listing specific fields. It distinguishes itself from sibling CDC tools by focusing on outbreak reports.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
No guidance is provided on when to use this tool versus alternatives like cdc_dataset_query or other CDC tools. No exclusions or pre-requisites are mentioned.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
cdc_vaccination_coverageBInspect
COVID-19 vaccination coverage by US county (8xkx-amqh). Returns booster + primary series percentages over time. Useful for public-health gap analysis.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| limit | No | Max rows (default 50) | |
| recip_state | No | Two-letter state code (e.g. 'CA') | |
| recip_county | No | County name |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description carries the full burden of behavioral disclosure. It states the tool 'returns booster + primary series percentages' but does not mention any behavioral traits such as read-only nature, performance, data freshness, or what happens when no data is found. Minimal behavioral context beyond purpose.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is extremely concise: two short sentences with no wasted words. It front-loads the tool's main purpose and includes a practical use case.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the lack of an output schema, the description could provide more detail on the structure of returned data (e.g., fields, how time is represented). It mentions percentages over time but does not describe the full response format. Adequate but not complete.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema description coverage is 100% for all three parameters (limit, recip_state, recip_county). The description adds no additional parameter-specific meaning beyond what the schema already provides.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool provides COVID-19 vaccination coverage data by US county, specifying 'booster + primary series percentages over time' and the dataset ID. The purpose is specific and distinguishes from generic CDC query tools, but does not explicitly differentiate from sibling CDC tools.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description mentions it is 'useful for public-health gap analysis,' giving an example use case but not providing explicit guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives like cdc_dataset_query or other CDC tools. The usage context is implied but no exclusions or alternative recommendations are given.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
cdc_weekly_deaths_by_stateAInspect
CDC weekly provisional deaths by state and cause (NCHS dataset muzy-jte6). Returns all-cause and selected-cause death counts per state per ISO week. Useful for excess-mortality and respiratory-disease seasonality analysis.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| year | No | Year (e.g. 2024) | |
| cause | No | Cause category (e.g. 'All Cause', 'COVID-19 (U071, Multiple Cause of Death)', 'Influenza and pneumonia') | |
| limit | No | Max rows (default 50) | |
| state | No | Full state name or 'United States' for national. Default 'United States'. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations provided, so description must fully convey behavioral traits. Mentions data is 'provisional' but lacks details on update frequency, pagination, rate limits, or authentication requirements. Could add more context about data limitations.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Two sentences, front-loaded with tool identity and dataset ID, then return type, then use case. No wasted words.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
No output schema, so description should summarize return structure. It states 'returns all-cause and selected-cause death counts per state per ISO week' but lacks column details or pagination info. Adequate but not fully complete.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100% with descriptions for all 4 parameters. Description adds little extra beyond schema, only mentioning 'all-cause and selected-cause' which is already implied by the cause parameter. Baseline 3 due to high schema coverage.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
Clearly states the tool returns CDC weekly provisional deaths by state and cause, with specific verb 'Returns'. Distinguishes from siblings by specifying weekly provisional deaths and dataset ID. Includes use cases for excess-mortality and respiratory-disease seasonality analysis.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
Mentions use cases ('useful for excess-mortality and respiratory-disease seasonality analysis') but does not explicitly state when to use vs alternatives like cdc_excess_deaths_covid or cdc_flu_surveillance. No 'when not to use' guidance provided.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
census_businessAInspect
Business establishments, employment, and annual payroll from County Business Patterns. Optional NAICS industry filter. Used for industry research, competitive intel, supply chain analysis.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| msa | No | 5-digit Metropolitan Statistical Area code. Required for msa level. | |
| year | No | ACS 5-year endpoint year (default 2023). | |
| zcta | No | 5-digit ZIP Code Tabulation Area. Required for zcta level. | |
| level | Yes | Geography level: 'us', 'state', 'county', 'zcta' (ZIP), 'place' (city), 'tract', 'msa'. | |
| naics | No | Optional NAICS 2017 industry code (2 to 6 digits). E.g. '23' for Construction, '54' for Professional Services. | |
| place | No | Census place FIPS (city). Required for place level. | |
| state | No | 2-letter state code (e.g. 'TX') or 2-digit FIPS. Required for state/county/place/tract levels. | |
| tract | No | 6-digit census tract code. Use '*' for all tracts in a county. | |
| county | No | 3-digit county FIPS. Use '*' for all counties in a state. Required for county/tract levels. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description must disclose behavioral traits. It accurately describes the output (business data) and the optional filter, but does not explicitly state that it is a read-only query or mention any authentication or rate limits. The description is generally transparent but lacks explicit safety cues.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is extremely concise (two sentences) and front-loaded with the core purpose. Every sentence adds value: the first defines the data and source, the second gives use cases. No redundant or vague phrasing.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the tool has 9 parameters (some conditional) and no output schema or annotations, the description covers the essential data content and use cases but omits behavioral details (e.g., that it is a query-only tool) and does not explain the relationship between parameters (e.g., required fields for different levels). Adequate but could be more complete.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema description coverage is 100%, so baseline is 3. The description adds context about the NAICS filter and summarises the data contents, but adds little beyond what the schema descriptions already provide for individual parameters. No parameter-specific enhancements.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
Description clearly identifies the tool's data source (County Business Patterns) and its contents (business establishments, employment, annual payroll), and lists specific use cases (industry research, competitive intel, supply chain analysis). This distinguishes it from sibling census tools like census_demographics or census_population.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description implies usage for business-related research by mentioning optional NAICS filter and use cases, but does not explicitly guide when to choose this tool over other census tools (e.g., demographics, population). It would benefit from a sentence like 'Use for business statistics; for demographics use census_demographics.'
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
census_commute_employmentAInspect
Labor force, unemployment, commute times, public transit usage, work-from-home rates for a US geography. Used for site selection, workforce analysis, commercial real estate.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| msa | No | 5-digit Metropolitan Statistical Area code. Required for msa level. | |
| year | No | ACS 5-year endpoint year (default 2023). | |
| zcta | No | 5-digit ZIP Code Tabulation Area. Required for zcta level. | |
| level | Yes | Geography level: 'us', 'state', 'county', 'zcta' (ZIP), 'place' (city), 'tract', 'msa'. | |
| place | No | Census place FIPS (city). Required for place level. | |
| state | No | 2-letter state code (e.g. 'TX') or 2-digit FIPS. Required for state/county/place/tract levels. | |
| tract | No | 6-digit census tract code. Use '*' for all tracts in a county. | |
| county | No | 3-digit county FIPS. Use '*' for all counties in a state. Required for county/tract levels. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description must carry the full burden. It describes the data retrieved but does not disclose behavioral traits such as pagination, response format, or any side effects (e.g., rate limits). For a read-heavy tool, additional transparency on limits or output structure would be beneficial.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Two concise sentences, front-loading the key functionality and use cases. No unnecessary words or repetition.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
The description covers the core purpose and use cases but lacks detail on return value structure or parameter combinations. Given the tool has 8 parameters and no output schema, more context on expected results would improve completeness.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema description coverage is 100%, so the baseline is 3. The description adds no new parameter-level details beyond listing the broad data categories, which does not significantly enhance understanding beyond the schema.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool provides labor force, unemployment, commute times, and other related metrics for US geographies, with specific use cases (site selection, workforce analysis). This sufficiently distinguishes it from sibling census tools like census_demographics or census_income_housing.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description implies usage for workforce and real estate analysis but does not provide explicit guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives or exclude other tools. No prerequisites or when-not-to-use information is given.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
census_demographicsAInspect
Race, ethnicity, and age breakdown for a US geography. Returns counts for white, black, Asian, AIAN, NHPI, other, two-or-more, plus Hispanic/Latino total and median age. Source: ACS 5-year.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| msa | No | 5-digit Metropolitan Statistical Area code. Required for msa level. | |
| year | No | ACS 5-year endpoint year (default 2023). | |
| zcta | No | 5-digit ZIP Code Tabulation Area. Required for zcta level. | |
| level | Yes | Geography level: 'us', 'state', 'county', 'zcta' (ZIP), 'place' (city), 'tract', 'msa'. | |
| place | No | Census place FIPS (city). Required for place level. | |
| state | No | 2-letter state code (e.g. 'TX') or 2-digit FIPS. Required for state/county/place/tract levels. | |
| tract | No | 6-digit census tract code. Use '*' for all tracts in a county. | |
| county | No | 3-digit county FIPS. Use '*' for all counties in a state. Required for county/tract levels. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description carries the full burden. It accurately describes the tool as returning demographic counts and median age, implying a read-only operation. However, it does not disclose potential rate limits, authentication needs, or behavior for missing data. Nonetheless, the description is consistent and factual.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is extremely concise (two sentences) with no wasted words. It front-loads the key purpose and follows with supporting details. Every sentence adds value.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given no output schema, the description should clarify the return format. It lists the fields but does not specify whether the result is a single object or array, nor does it mention default values (e.g., year defaults to 2023). The complexity is moderate, but the description leaves some ambiguity about output structure.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100%, so parameters are already well-documented. The description adds context about the data source (ACS 5-year) and the returned fields, but does not enhance parameter meaning beyond what the schema provides. Baseline score of 3 is appropriate.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool returns race, ethnicity, and age breakdown for a US geography, listing specific categories (white, black, Asian, etc.) and median age. It distinguishes from sibling tools like census_population which likely returns total counts.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description specifies the data source and scope (US geography) but does not provide explicit guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives (e.g., census_population for total counts, census_income_housing for economic data). No exclusions or prerequisites are mentioned.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
census_geography_lookupAInspect
Look up Census FIPS codes by name. Supports state name or 2-letter code, ZIP code (5 digits), and (for state) substring matching. Use this to find the FIPS codes needed by other census_* tools.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| level | No | Optional filter: state, county, zcta, place. | |
| limit | No | Max matches (default 10). | |
| query | Yes | Free-text: state name ('Texas'), state code ('TX'), or 5-digit ZIP ('77301'). |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description carries the full burden. It mentions lookup behavior and supported query types but does not disclose rate limits, read-only nature, or other traits. Adequate but not exhaustive.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Two sentences, front-loaded with action and resource. No wasted words. Perfectly concise.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
For a lookup tool without output schema, the description explains what it returns (FIPS codes) and why it's needed (for other census tools). Complete given the complexity.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100%, but the description adds value by explaining how query works: 'state name or 2-letter code, ZIP code (5 digits), and (for state) substring matching.' This enriches the schema descriptions.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool's purpose: 'Look up Census FIPS codes by name.' It specifies supported query types (state name, code, ZIP, substring) and distinguishes from sibling census tools.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description explicitly says 'Use this to find the FIPS codes needed by other census_* tools,' indicating when to use it. It doesn't specify when not to use, but the context is clear.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
census_income_housingBInspect
Median household income, per capita income, housing units, owner vs renter occupancy, median home value, median gross and contract rent for a US geography. Used for real estate AI, market analysis, location-based pricing.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| msa | No | 5-digit Metropolitan Statistical Area code. Required for msa level. | |
| year | No | ACS 5-year endpoint year (default 2023). | |
| zcta | No | 5-digit ZIP Code Tabulation Area. Required for zcta level. | |
| level | Yes | Geography level: 'us', 'state', 'county', 'zcta' (ZIP), 'place' (city), 'tract', 'msa'. | |
| place | No | Census place FIPS (city). Required for place level. | |
| state | No | 2-letter state code (e.g. 'TX') or 2-digit FIPS. Required for state/county/place/tract levels. | |
| tract | No | 6-digit census tract code. Use '*' for all tracts in a county. | |
| county | No | 3-digit county FIPS. Use '*' for all counties in a state. Required for county/tract levels. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations provided. The description implies a read operation but does not disclose behavioral traits such as idempotency, rate limits, or data freshness. Lacks explicit read-only confirmation.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Two sentences: first lists returned data fields, second states use cases. No redundancy, well front-loaded.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
With no output schema, the description lists the types of data returned. Lacks details on output format or pagination, but sufficient for a data retrieval tool with 8 parameters.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100% with clear parameter descriptions. The tool description adds overall context but does not enhance individual parameter semantics beyond what the schema provides.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly lists specific data points (median income, housing units, etc.) and states use cases for real estate AI and market analysis. However, it does not explicitly differentiate from sibling tools like census_demographics, though the data types are distinct.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
Implies usage from context ('real estate AI, market analysis, location-based pricing') but no explicit when-to-use or when-not-to-use guidance compared to siblings.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
census_populationAInspect
Get total population for a US geography (state, county, ZIP/ZCTA, city, census tract, MSA, or national). Returns total, male, female, and median age. Used for market sizing, location intelligence, demographic analysis.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| msa | No | 5-digit Metropolitan Statistical Area code. Required for msa level. | |
| year | No | ACS 5-year endpoint year (default 2023). | |
| zcta | No | 5-digit ZIP Code Tabulation Area. Required for zcta level. | |
| level | Yes | Geography level: 'us', 'state', 'county', 'zcta' (ZIP), 'place' (city), 'tract', 'msa'. | |
| place | No | Census place FIPS (city). Required for place level. | |
| state | No | 2-letter state code (e.g. 'TX') or 2-digit FIPS. Required for state/county/place/tract levels. | |
| tract | No | 6-digit census tract code. Use '*' for all tracts in a county. | |
| county | No | 3-digit county FIPS. Use '*' for all counties in a state. Required for county/tract levels. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description must convey behavioral traits. It discloses that data comes from ACS 5-year estimates (via the 'year' parameter) and lists output fields. However, it does not mention rate limits, authentication needs, error handling (e.g., missing geography), or whether the operation is read-only.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is two sentences, front-loading the core purpose and output. Every sentence adds value: first defines functionality, second suggests use cases. No unnecessary words or repetition.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the tool's complexity (8 parameters, multiple geography levels) and full schema coverage, the description adequately covers the main output and use cases. However, it does not explain required parameter combinations or the response format, which would be more helpful.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema description coverage is 100%, so the baseline is 3. The description does not add meaning beyond the schema's parameter descriptions; it only restates geography levels and output fields. It does not clarify dependencies or format for parameters like 'tract' or 'msa'.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states it retrieves total population for US geographies, lists specific levels (state, county, ZIP, etc.), and specifies returned fields (total, male, female, median age). It also mentions use cases, distinguishing it from sibling tools like census_demographics which likely provide more detailed demographic data.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description gives context for usage ('market sizing, location intelligence, demographic analysis') but does not explicitly compare to sibling tools or state when not to use this tool. No exclusions or alternatives are mentioned, leaving the agent to infer optimal usage.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
cfpb_complaint_aggregationsAInspect
Aggregate complaint counts by a single facet (product, issue, company, state, company_response, or submitted_via). Useful for ranking companies by complaint volume or finding the most common issue categories.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| facet | Yes | Field to aggregate by | |
| company | No | Optional company filter |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations provided, the description carries full burden. It clearly states the tool aggregates counts by a facet and supports an optional company filter, but lacks details on output format, sorting (likely descending by count), handling of empty results, or potential rate limits. Acceptable but not exhaustive.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is two sentences, no filler. First sentence defines the operation with precision, second sentence provides practical applications. Every word earns its place.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the tool's simplicity (2 parameters, no nested objects, no output schema), the description covers the key behavioral aspects. It doesn't specify the exact return format (e.g., list of {facet_value: count}), but for an aggregation tool the implied output is clear. Could mention pagination or limits, but adequate for selection.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100%, so baseline is 3. The description adds value by explaining the purpose of the facet parameter (aggregation dimension) and the company filter (to narrow results), plus gives examples of how to use them (e.g., ranking companies). This goes beyond mere parameter names and types.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description explicitly states the tool aggregates complaint counts by a single facet, listing all six possible facet values (product, issue, company, state, company_response, submitted_via). It also provides concrete use cases (ranking companies by complaint volume, finding common issue categories), clearly distinguishing it from sibling tools like cfpb_search_complaints or cfpb_complaint_detail which return individual records.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description gives clear usage context ('useful for ranking companies by complaint volume') but does not explicitly state when to use this tool versus its alternatives (e.g., cfpb_complaint_trends for time-based aggregation). However, the purpose is sufficiently differentiated from siblings to guide selection.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
cfpb_complaint_detailAInspect
Fetch a single CFPB complaint by complaint_id. Returns the full record including narrative if consented.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| complaint_id | Yes | CFPB complaint ID |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations provided, so the description carries full burden. It discloses that the full record, including narrative if consented, is returned. This adds useful behavioral context despite no mention of side effects or rate limits.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is a single sentence that front-loads the action and resource, with no wasted words. Ideal conciseness.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Despite no output schema, the description is complete enough for a simple fetch tool with one parameter. It covers purpose and return behavior, though could mention error handling.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100% with a single parameter already described. The description does not add additional meaning beyond what the schema provides, so baseline 3 applies.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool fetches a single CFPB complaint by ID, using a specific verb and resource, and distinguishes it from sibling tools like cfpb_search_complaints.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description implies usage when you have a complaint_id, but does not explicitly state when to use it over alternatives or provide exclusions. No explicit guidance on not using with other tools.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
cfpb_complaint_trendsBInspect
Time-series trends of complaint volume. lens=overview shows total complaints over time; lens=product shows by product; lens=company shows by company; lens=issue shows by issue. Interval can be month, quarter, or year.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| lens | Yes | Trend dimension | |
| product | No | Filter to a specific product | |
| sub_lens | No | Optional sub-dimension | |
| trend_depth | No | Top N to track (default 5) | |
| trend_interval | No | Time bucket size | |
| date_received_max | No | YYYY-MM-DD upper bound | |
| date_received_min | No | YYYY-MM-DD lower bound |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Since no annotations are provided, the description carries the burden of behavioral disclosure. It explains the lens options and interval values, and implies read-only operation (trends). However, it does not explicitly state that it is non-destructive, nor does it mention any rate limits, pagination, or data freshness. The coverage is adequate but not rich.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is highly concise: two sentences with no redundancy. The first sentence states the core purpose, and the second sentence explains the key parameters (lens and interval) efficiently. Every word adds value.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
With 7 parameters (lens, product, sub_lens, trend_depth, trend_interval, date_received_min, date_received_max) and no output schema, the description covers the critical lens and interval parameters but omits mentions of date range, trend_depth, and sub_lens. For a simple trend tool, this is moderately complete but could be more thorough.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100% (baseline 3). The description adds meaning by specifying what each lens value represents (e.g., 'overview shows total complaints over time') and that interval can be month, quarter, or year. This provides context beyond the schema's generic descriptions like 'Trend dimension' and 'Time bucket size'.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool provides 'time-series trends of complaint volume' and enumerates the lens options (overview, product, company, issue). This specifies the verb (trends) and resource (complaint volume) with scope. However, it does not explicitly differentiate from sibling tools like cfpb_complaint_aggregations, which could overlap.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description provides no guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives, such as cfpb_complaint_aggregations or cfpb_search_complaints. It only explains how to use the lens and interval parameters without any context about suitable scenarios or exclusions.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
cfpb_search_complaintsAInspect
Search the CFPB Consumer Complaint Database (4M+ complaints submitted against financial companies since 2011). Filter by free-text term, company, product, state, date range, and narrative-presence. Returns complaint metadata plus public narratives when available.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| from | No | Pagination offset (default 0) | |
| size | No | Page size (default 25, max 100) | |
| state | No | Two-letter state code | |
| company | No | Exact company name (use cfpb_suggest_company for fuzzy matching) | |
| product | No | CFPB product category (e.g. 'Credit reporting', 'Mortgage', 'Debt collection') | |
| search_term | No | Free-text search across all complaint fields | |
| has_narrative | No | Only complaints with consumer narratives | |
| date_received_max | No | YYYY-MM-DD upper bound | |
| date_received_min | No | YYYY-MM-DD lower bound |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations, the description carries the burden. It states it returns metadata and narratives, which is helpful, but lacks details on pagination limits (max 100 per schema), rate limits, or any side effects. It is adequate but not exhaustive.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is a single concise sentence with a parenthetical clarifying the database size. It front-loads the action and lists filters efficiently, wasting no words.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given 9 parameters and no output schema, the description mentions it returns metadata and narratives, which is a start. However, it omits details about output structure, pagination specifics (size limit), and error handling, leaving gaps for a complex tool.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100%, so baseline 3. The description summarizes filters but adds no new details beyond what the schema already provides. It reinforces the purpose but does not enhance semantic understanding.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool searches the CFPB Consumer Complaint Database, a specific resource with 4M+ complaints. It lists key filters and what is returned, making it easy to distinguish from sibling tools like aggregations or detail.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description explains the tool's function and filters, but does not explicitly guide when to use this tool vs alternatives like cfpb_complaint_aggregations or cfpb_complaint_detail. The usage context is implied but not clearly delineated.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
cfpb_state_complaintsAInspect
Complaint counts and percentages per US state, with optional product filter and date range. Useful for state-level financial-consumer risk maps.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| product | No | Optional product filter | |
| date_received_max | No | YYYY-MM-DD upper bound | |
| date_received_min | No | YYYY-MM-DD lower bound |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description carries the full burden of behavioral disclosure. It does not state that the tool is read-only, whether it returns all states or only those with complaints, or any rate limits or authentication needs. The description only mentions the output type (counts and percentages) but lacks deeper behavioral context.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description consists of two concise sentences. The first states what the tool does, and the second provides a use case. No redundant information, and each sentence earns its place. It is front-loaded with the core functionality.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the simplicity of the tool (3 optional parameters, no output schema), the description is minimally adequate. It specifies the output involves 'counts and percentages per US state,' but does not detail the output format (e.g., state names, codes, or total counts). More completeness would be helpful for an agent to understand the return structure.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100% with each parameter having a basic description ('Optional product filter,' 'YYYY-MM-DD upper bound,' 'YYYY-MM-DD lower bound'). The tool description adds no additional meaning beyond the schema. Baseline score of 3 is appropriate.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool provides 'complaint counts and percentages per US state' with optional filtering by product and date range. The verb 'complaint counts and percentages' is specific, and the resource 'per US state' distinguishes it from other CFPB tools that focus on individual complaints or time trends.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description mentions it is 'useful for state-level financial-consumer risk maps,' giving a use case, but it does not explicitly state when not to use this tool or compare it to alternatives like cfpb_complaint_detail or cfpb_complaint_trends. Guidance is implied but not explicit.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
cfpb_suggest_companyAInspect
Auto-complete company names. Returns up to 10 suggestions matching the partial input. Use the results as exact values for cfpb_search_complaints' company parameter.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| text | Yes | Partial company name |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations provided. Description discloses the return limit of 10 suggestions but does not cover other behavioral aspects like rate limits, no matches behavior, or data freshness. Given no annotations, more detail would be beneficial but not critically lacking for a simple autocomplete.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Two sentences, front-loaded with the core action. Every word serves a purpose with no fluff.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the simplicity of the tool (one required parameter, no output schema), the description sufficiently covers its use case, output limit, and integration with another tool. No gaps for a basic autocomplete function.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100% with one parameter 'text' described as 'Partial company name'. The description adds 'partial input' which overlaps with the schema. No extra syntax, examples, or formatting details beyond the schema.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool's function: auto-complete company names, returning up to 10 suggestions. It also distinguishes itself by specifying its use with cfpb_search_complaints' company parameter.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
Explicitly states to use the results as exact values for cfpb_search_complaints' company parameter, providing clear usage context. Could mention when not to use it or what scenarios it's meant for, but still strong.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
cms_home_health_searchAInspect
Search Medicare-certified home health agencies from CMS Home Health Compare. Returns agency name, address, services offered, and quality ratings.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| limit | No | Max results (default 25) | |
| state | No | Two-letter state code (e.g. 'CA', 'NY') | |
| offset | No | Pagination offset (default 0) | |
| name_contains | No | Partial provider name match |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations provided, the description carries full burden. It states the tool returns specific fields (name, address, services, quality ratings), implying a read-only operation, but does not disclose authentication needs, rate limits, or any side effects. It is reasonably transparent for a search tool.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is a single, concise sentence that immediately communicates the tool's purpose and output. No unnecessary words or information, though it could briefly mention search capability.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the tool's simplicity (4 optional parameters, no output schema), the description provides sufficient context: it identifies the data source (CMS Home Health Compare), the entity type, and the return fields. It is complete enough for an agent to understand what the tool does.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100%, so the input schema already explains each parameter (limit, state, offset, name_contains). The description does not add additional meaning beyond the schema, making the baseline score of 3 appropriate.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool searches for Medicare-certified home health agencies from CMS Home Health Compare, and lists the returned fields (name, address, services, quality ratings). It distinguishes itself from sibling tools that search for other facility types (hospice, hospital, nursing home) through the specific resource type, though it does not explicitly name them.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description provides no explicit guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives (e.g., other CMS search tools). It is implied that this is appropriate for home health agencies, but no conditions or exclusions are stated. This is adequate for a straightforward search tool.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
cms_hospice_searchAInspect
Search Medicare-certified hospice agencies from CMS Hospice Compare. Returns provider name, address, ownership, and quality measures.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| limit | No | Max results (default 25) | |
| state | No | Two-letter state code (e.g. 'CA', 'NY') | |
| offset | No | Pagination offset (default 0) | |
| name_contains | No | Partial provider name match |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description carries the burden. It states 'Search' and lists return fields, implying a read operation, but does not disclose potential rate limits, authentication needs, or pagination behavior beyond the schema's limit/offset parameters. Adequate but minimal.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is a single sentence that front-loads the purpose and return data. It contains no fluff and is appropriately sized for the tool's complexity.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the absence of an output schema, the description usefully lists the return fields. The schema covers parameters. It does not mention result limits beyond the schema's default or how filters combine, but it is fairly complete for a search tool with moderate complexity.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema description coverage is 100%, so the schema already documents all parameters completely. The tool description adds no additional meaning or context for the parameters beyond what is in the schema. Baseline of 3 is appropriate.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly specifies the verb 'Search', the resource 'Medicare-certified hospice agencies from CMS Hospice Compare', and lists the return data (provider name, address, ownership, and quality measures). This distinguishes it from sibling tools like cms_hospital_search.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description implies when to use (when hospice agency data is needed) and the context is clear from the tool name, but it lacks explicit when-not-to-use guidance or alternatives. The sibling tools cover other provider types, so it's reasonably clear.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
cms_hospital_searchAInspect
Search Medicare-certified hospitals from the CMS Hospital General Information dataset. Returns facility name, address, ownership type, emergency-services flag, and CMS overall star rating (1-5). Filter by state, city, and partial facility-name match.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| city | No | City name (case-insensitive) | |
| limit | No | Max results (default 25) | |
| state | No | Two-letter state code (e.g. 'CA', 'NY') | |
| offset | No | Pagination offset (default 0) | |
| name_contains | No | Partial provider name match |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
The disclosure of return fields and filtering is helpful, but it does not mention pagination, default limits, or data freshness. Without annotations, more context on behavior would improve transparency.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Two sentences efficiently convey the action, dataset, return fields, and filtering capability. No unnecessary words or repetition.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
The description covers purpose, dataset, return fields, and filters. It lacks details on pagination and result limits, but given the schema parameters, it is fairly complete for a simple search tool.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The input schema has 100% description coverage for parameters. The description adds little beyond summarizing the filters, so no extra semantic value is provided.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool searches Medicare-certified hospitals and lists return fields. However, it does not explicitly differentiate from sibling CMS tools like cms_home_health_search or cms_nursing_home_search, though the name implies the scope.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description lists filter options (state, city, partial name) but provides no guidance on when to use this versus other search tools, nor does it describe any prerequisites or exclusions.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
cms_nursing_home_searchAInspect
Search Medicare-certified nursing homes from CMS Nursing Home Compare. Returns name, address, ownership, certification status, total beds, and quality measures.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| limit | No | Max results (default 25) | |
| state | No | Two-letter state code (e.g. 'CA', 'NY') | |
| offset | No | Pagination offset (default 0) | |
| name_contains | No | Partial provider name match |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations provided, the description carries the full burden. It lists what data is returned (name, address, ownership, etc.) but does not disclose behavioral traits like pagination behavior, data freshness, rate limits, or whether it only returns active homes. The read-only nature is implied but not explicit.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is a single sentence that immediately states the tool's purpose and what it returns. No unnecessary words; every part adds value.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the tool's simplicity (4 parameters, no output schema), the description adequately covers purpose and output fields. However, it lacks details on result ordering, data coverage, or handling of missing parameters, leaving minor gaps for a search tool.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100% with each parameter described in the input schema. The description does not add additional meaning beyond the schema, such as providing examples or constraints on the parameters.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool searches Medicare-certified nursing homes from CMS Nursing Home Compare, specifying the data source and return fields. It distinguishes itself from sibling tools like cms_hospital_search by targeting nursing homes specifically.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description implies usage for nursing home searches but does not provide guidance on when to choose this tool over siblings (e.g., cms_home_health_search) or context on alternatives. No explicit when-to-use or when-not-to-use advice.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
college_accreditationAInspect
Current institutional accreditation status, accreditor, and (when published by DAPIP) last action date and programmatic accreditations.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| unit_id | Yes | IPEDS UNITID. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations provided, so the description must carry the burden. It mentions data source dependency (DAPIP) which adds transparency, but omits details like read-only nature, authentication, or rate limits.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is a single, front-loaded sentence with no unnecessary words. It efficiently conveys the tool's output.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the single parameter and no output schema, the description adequately describes the returned data. It mentions conditional availability (DAPIP publication) which adds context. Could be improved by noting the lookup is for a single institution.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100% with a clear description for unit_id. The description does not add extra parameter meaning beyond what the schema provides, so baseline score applies.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool returns current institutional accreditation status, accreditor, last action date, and programmatic accreditations. It distinguishes from sibling tools like college_demographics or college_metrics which cover other aspects.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
No guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives. The description does not mention scenarios where other college tools would be more appropriate.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
college_compareAInspect
Side-by-side comparison of 2-5 schools across cost, outcomes, and admissions metrics. Pass UNITIDs.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| unit_ids | Yes | Array of 2-5 IPEDS UNITIDs. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description must fully disclose behavioral traits. It only mentions the input parameter and general comparison categories. It fails to state that the tool is read-only, what the output format is (e.g., structured data), or any constraints like rate limits or authentication.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is extremely concise: one sentence explaining purpose plus a short instruction. It is front-loaded with the core action. Every word is necessary with no fluff.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given no annotations or output schema, the description is incomplete. It explains what the tool does and the required input but does not describe the return format, pagination, or any additional context about how the comparison is presented. A more complete description would briefly outline the output structure.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The schema covers the single parameter with a description of 'Array of 2-5 IPEDS UNITIDs.' The description adds 'Pass UNITIDs,' which is redundant. Since schema coverage is 100%, the description adds minimal value beyond restating the parameter's purpose.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool performs a side-by-side comparison of 2-5 schools across cost, outcomes, and admissions metrics. The verb 'compare' and resource 'schools' are specific. It distinguishes from sibling tools like college_metrics (single school) and college_trends (time series).
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description implicitly indicates when to use: when a comparative analysis of multiple schools is needed. It does not explicitly exclude alternatives or specify when not to use, but the context of 'comparison' against siblings like college_search or college_metrics is clear enough for an agent.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
college_demographicsAInspect
Student-body demographics for one school: race/ethnicity, gender, age (under/over 25), and geographic origin (in-state, out-of-state, foreign).
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| unit_id | Yes | IPEDS UNITID. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations provided, so description carries full burden. It states the tool returns demographics but does not disclose behavioral traits such as read-only nature, data freshness, or any side effects. For a single-school lookup, likely safe, but not explicitly stated.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Single sentence with no unnecessary words. Immediately conveys the tool's purpose and outputs. Highly efficient.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the low complexity and sole parameter, the description adequately covers what the tool does. However, without output schema, it could include a note on return format or that data is for a single school. Mostly complete.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema description coverage is 100% for the single required parameter (unit_id). Description adds no additional meaning beyond the schema's 'IPEDS UNITID.' Baseline of 3 is appropriate.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
Clearly states the tool returns student-body demographics for one school, listing specific categories (race/ethnicity, gender, age, geographic origin). Distinguishes from siblings like college_search or college_compare which serve different purposes.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
Implied usage for obtaining detailed demographics of a single school, but no explicit guidance on when to use this tool versus siblings like college_metrics or college_outcomes_by_program. No exclusion criteria or alternatives mentioned.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
college_metricsAInspect
Cost and outcome metrics for one school: published tuition (in-state and out-of-state), average net price, six-year graduation rate, first-year retention, median earnings ten years after entry, admission rate, and SAT/ACT ranges.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| unit_id | Yes | IPEDS UNITID (Scorecard 'id'). |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, and the description fails to disclose behavioral traits such as data source, update frequency, or limitations (e.g., only public institutions). It assumes read-only context but does not state it.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Single sentence, front-loaded with verb 'cost and outcome metrics', minimal waste.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given no output schema, the description lists the metrics returned. However, it does not specify time frame, data vintage, or restrictions (e.g., only institutions in IPEDS), leaving some gaps.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The schema already describes the single parameter (unit_id) as IPEDS UNITID. The description adds no further meaning, but schema coverage is 100%, so baseline 3 is appropriate.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly enumerates specific metrics (tuition, net price, graduation rate, etc.) for a single school, distinguishing it from sibling tools like college_search and college_compare.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description implies use for one school with a unit_id, but does not provide explicit when/when-not guidance or mention alternatives like college_compare for multiple schools.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
college_outcomes_by_programAInspect
Program-level outcomes (4-digit CIP code) for one school: median earnings one year after completion, median debt at completion, and award counts.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| unit_id | Yes | IPEDS UNITID. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations provided, so the description bears full burden. It discloses what data is returned but omits behavioral traits like read-only nature, rate limits, error conditions, or data freshness. The description is minimal for a tool that likely returns multiple records per school.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Single sentence of 21 words, front-loaded with key information. No unnecessary words or repetition. Every word adds value.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the tool's simplicity (one param, no output schema), the description is fairly complete. It specifies the data types returned. However, it could mention that the output likely contains multiple programs and that the data pertains to a specific year or CIP code range.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema description coverage is 100% for the single parameter (unit_id). The tool description adds context about the returned data but not about the parameter itself. Baseline 3 is appropriate as schema already documents the parameter adequately.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states it provides program-level outcomes for one school, specifying median earnings, median debt, and award counts. It uses a verb (implied 'get') and resource (program-level outcomes), distinguishing from sibling tools like college_demographics or college_metrics.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description implies it is for program-level outcomes per school, but does not explicitly state when to use it versus siblings or provide exclusions. Context signals and sibling names offer implicit distinction, but no direct guidance.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
college_searchBInspect
Search US colleges and universities by name, state, control type, size, or accreditor. Returns matching institutions with location, control, predominant degree, and enrollment.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| name | No | Substring of the institution name. | |
| size | No | Carnegie size bucket. | |
| limit | No | Max results, 1-100. Default 25. | |
| state | No | Two-letter state code (e.g. TX). | |
| control | No | Institutional control. | |
| accreditor | No | Substring match against the school's institutional accreditor. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are present, and the description does not disclose any behavioral traits such as data source, freshness, rate limits, or behavior on empty results. For a search tool, this lack of transparency leaves agents uncertain about reliability.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is two well-structured sentences with no wasteful words. It front-loads the main action and then lists filters and return fields efficiently.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the six optional parameters and lack of output schema, the description provides a solid overview of functionality and return data. It could mention pagination or default behavior, but it is largely sufficient for an agent to understand the tool's purpose.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100%, so the baseline is 3. The description adds value by listing the return fields (location, control, etc.) not in the schema, but does not elaborate on parameter semantics beyond what the schema already provides.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states it searches US colleges and universities by various filters and lists the return fields. It effectively communicates the core function, though it does not explicitly differentiate from sibling tools like college_compare or college_demographics.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
No guidance is provided on when to use this tool instead of siblings. With many related college tools on the same server, explicit context about when to choose college_search over alternatives would be very helpful.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
college_trendsAInspect
Multi-year trend for one school sourced from the Urban Institute Education Data Portal (IPEDS). Choose a metric (enrollment, graduation_rate, retention, cost) and a year range.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| metric | Yes | Trend metric. | |
| unit_id | Yes | IPEDS UNITID. | |
| end_year | Yes | Last academic year, e.g. 2022. | |
| start_year | Yes | First academic year, e.g. 2010. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations, the description carries the full burden. It mentions the data source (Urban Institute Education Data Portal) but fails to disclose behavioral traits such as read-only nature, rate limits, data freshness, or whether the tool returns aggregated or per-year data. This is a significant gap for a data retrieval tool.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is a single, information-dense sentence that front-loads the purpose and essential choices (metric and year range). No unnecessary words.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
The description adequately explains what the tool does but is incomplete regarding the output format. With no output schema, the agent needs to infer that the result is a time-series of the chosen metric. A brief mention of the output structure would improve completeness.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100% with clear descriptions for each parameter. The description adds context by grouping metric choices and implying a year range, but does not provide new information beyond the schema. Baseline of 3 is appropriate.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states 'Multi-year trend for one school', specifying the source (IPEDS), the metrics (enrollment, graduation_rate, retention, cost), and the year range. This effectively differentiates it from siblings like college_metrics (single-year data) and college_compare (comparison across schools).
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description implies usage for obtaining trend data for a single school over time, but does not explicitly state when to use this tool versus alternatives (e.g., college_metrics for single-year data, college_compare for cross-school comparisons). No exclusions or prerequisites are mentioned.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
company_infoAInspect
Get company profile and financial fundamentals. Returns sector, industry, employee count, business description, revenue, gross profit, EBITDA, profit margins, EPS, P/E ratio, forward P/E, dividend yield, beta, market cap, and shares outstanding. Use this for "tell me about Apple", "what does this company do?", "company financials", "what sector is Netflix in?", "how many employees does Tesla have?", or any company research question.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| symbol | Yes | Stock ticker symbol (e.g., "AAPL") |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description carries the full burden. It details the return fields but does not disclose data freshness, potential delays, or any limitations. The read-only nature is implied but not explicitly stated.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Two sentences: first states purpose and lists fields, second gives usage examples. No fluff, front-loaded with purpose, every sentence earns its place.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
For a simple one-parameter tool, the description is comprehensive: it describes the purpose, all returned fields, and usage examples. However, it omits error handling (e.g., invalid ticker) and data source, which would complete the picture.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The only parameter 'symbol' is fully covered by the schema with a description. The description adds contextual value by clarifying that it's a stock ticker (e.g., AAPL) and linking to company research, going beyond the schema's basic description.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool gets a company profile and financial fundamentals, listing many specific fields. It distinguishes from siblings like stock_quote (price only) by focusing on fundamentals. Examples like 'tell me about Apple' clarify the use cases.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description explicitly gives usage examples (e.g., 'tell me about Apple'), which helps the agent know when to invoke it. However, it does not explicitly state when NOT to use it or mention alternatives among the numerous sibling finance tools.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
congress_bill_actionsBInspect
Get the chronological legislative action history for one bill (introductions, committee referrals, votes, becoming law). Requires Congress number, bill type, and bill number.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| limit | No | Max actions (default 50). | |
| congress | Yes | Congress number. | |
| bill_type | Yes | Bill type code: hr (House Bill), s (Senate Bill), hjres, sjres, hconres, sconres, hres, sres. | |
| bill_number | Yes | Bill number. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Description indicates a read operation but provides no details on rate limits, authentication needs, error handling, or output structure. With no annotations, the tool's behavioral characteristics are underspecified beyond the basic purpose.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Extremely concise: two sentences with no wasted words. The key action verb 'Get' is front-loaded, and the description efficiently conveys purpose and requirements.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Adequate for a simple retrieval tool: mentions the chronological nature and example actions. However, lacks details on return format, pagination, or the effect of the 'limit' parameter, which would enhance completeness given the absence of an output schema.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema provides 100% description coverage for all four parameters. The description adds marginal value by restating required parameters and the nature of the output, but does not clarify parameter syntax or constraints beyond the schema.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
Clearly states it retrieves chronological legislative action history for one bill, listing example actions. However, does not differentiate from sibling tools like congress_bill_details or congress_bill_cosponsors, which could also be related to bill information.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
Implied usage through required parameters (Congress number, bill type, bill number). No explicit guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives, such as when only bill details or cosponsors are needed.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
congress_bill_cosponsorsAInspect
List the cosponsors of one bill with their party and state. Useful for mapping coalitions behind legislation. Requires Congress number, bill type, and bill number.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| limit | No | Max cosponsors (default 250). | |
| congress | Yes | Congress number. | |
| bill_type | Yes | Bill type code: hr (House Bill), s (Senate Bill), hjres, sjres, hconres, sconres, hres, sres. | |
| bill_number | Yes | Bill number. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description carries the full burden. It states what the tool does but does not disclose behavioral traits such as pagination, rate limits, data recency, or potential limitations beyond the limit parameter.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is concise with two sentences plus a requirement note, front-loading the primary action and purpose without any wasted words.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
The description mentions output includes party and state but lacks details on output format, pagination behavior, or any additional fields. Given no output schema, the description could provide more completeness for a list tool.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100% with descriptions for all parameters. The description adds minimal value beyond naming the output fields (party and state) but does not enhance parameter understanding.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool lists cosponsors of a specific bill, including party and state, which distinguishes it from related bill tools like congress_bill_details, congress_bill_actions, and congress_search_bills.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description mentions the tool is useful for mapping coalitions and requires congress, bill type, and bill number, but does not provide explicit guidance on when to use it versus alternatives or when not to use it.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
congress_bill_detailsAInspect
Get full detail for one bill, including title, sponsor, latest action, policy area, and a cosponsor party breakdown. Requires the Congress number, bill type, and bill number (e.g. 118, 'hr', 3076).
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| congress | Yes | Congress number, e.g. 118. | |
| bill_type | Yes | Bill type code: hr (House Bill), s (Senate Bill), hjres, sjres, hconres, sconres, hres, sres. | |
| bill_number | Yes | Bill number, e.g. 3076. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description carries the full burden. It identifies the tool as read-only by nature (getting details), but does not mention any behavioral traits such as error handling, data freshness, or rate limits.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Two concise sentences: the first states purpose and output, the second states requirements with an example. No wasted words; information is front-loaded.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the simple, single-resource retrieval task and the absence of an output schema, the description covers the essential inputs and outputs. It could improve by mentioning what happens if the bill doesn't exist, but overall it is complete.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100%, so the description adds value by providing example values (118, 'hr', 3076) and clarifying the real-world meaning of 'bill_type' enum values beyond the schema's minimal descriptions.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description uses a specific verb 'Get' and clearly identifies the resource as 'one bill'. It lists the key fields returned, distinguishing it from sibling tools like congress_bill_actions or congress_bill_cosponsors which focus on specific aspects.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description states the required parameters (Congress number, bill type, bill number) and provides an example, but does not explicitly guide when to use this tool versus alternatives (e.g., when to use congress_search_bills instead).
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
congress_house_votesAInspect
List recent U.S. House roll-call votes for a Congress, with vote number, question, result, and date. Defaults to the current Congress.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| limit | No | Max votes (default 20). | |
| congress | No | Congress number (default current, 91). |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations, the description carries full burden. It discloses the output fields but lacks details on ordering, pagination, or sorting. Not misleading but incomplete for a listing tool.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Single sentence, no fluff, front-loaded with purpose. Every word earns its place.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given two optional parameters and no output schema, the description is reasonably complete. It covers what the tool lists and defaults. Could mention ordering but not essential.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100%, so baseline 3. The description adds marginal value by clarifying 'recent' and 'roll-call' but does not significantly enhance parameter meaning beyond schema.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool lists recent U.S. House roll-call votes and specifies output fields (vote number, question, result, date). It differentiates from sibling congress tools by targeting House votes specifically.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
No explicit guidance on when to use this tool vs alternatives like congress_bill_details or congress_search_bills. The description does not mention when not to use or provide context for selection.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
congress_member_detailsAInspect
Get detailed profile for one member of Congress by bioguide ID (e.g. 'P000197'), including party history, terms served, and leadership roles.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| bioguide_id | Yes | Bioguide ID, e.g. 'P000197'. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, but the description discloses the type of data returned (party history, terms, leadership roles). It does not mention any behavioral traits beyond that (e.g., rate limits, data freshness), which is acceptable for a read-only tool but leaves room for improvement.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is a single sentence that is concise and front-loaded with the key information. Every part contributes to clarity without any waste.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
For a simple tool with one parameter and no output schema, the description fully covers the purpose and return content. It is complete given the tool's complexity and the absence of additional structured fields.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The input schema has 100% coverage for the single parameter, and the description adds value by providing an example ('P000197') and specifying the output content (party history, terms, leadership roles), which goes beyond the schema's basic description.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the verb 'Get' and the resource 'detailed profile for one member of Congress' along with a specific example bioguide ID. It mentions included data (party history, terms, leadership roles), distinguishing it from sibling tools like congress_search_members.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description implicitly conveys when to use this tool: when you need a detailed profile for a specific member of Congress by bioguide ID. While it doesn't explicitly state when not to use it or name alternatives, the context is clear and sufficient given sibling tool names like congress_search_members.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
congress_recent_lawsAInspect
List bills that have become public or private law in a given Congress. Defaults to the current Congress. Use law_type 'pub' for public laws or 'priv' for private laws.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| limit | No | Max results (default 20). | |
| congress | No | Congress number (default current, 91). | |
| law_type | No | Law type: 'pub' or 'priv'. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations provided, the description carries the burden for behavioral transparency. It indicates a read-only listing operation but does not disclose ordering, pagination, or result size limitations beyond the schema. Adequate but minimal.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Two concise sentences with no extraneous information. First sentence states purpose, second clarifies options. Every word earns its place.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
For a listing tool with three optional parameters and no output schema, the description covers core functionality and parameter usage. Could mention return format or sorting but not necessary for basic use.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100% with descriptions for all three parameters. The description adds context on defaults and law_type enum values, but does not significantly enhance parameter understanding beyond the schema. Baseline 3 is appropriate.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the verb 'List' and the resource 'bills that have become public or private law in a given Congress'. It distinguishes from sibling tools like congress_search_bills by focusing specifically on enacted laws.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
Provides clear context on default Congress and law_type usage, but does not explicitly state when to use this tool versus alternatives like congress_search_bills. The guidance is adequate for an experienced user.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
congress_search_billsBInspect
Search or list recent U.S. federal bills and resolutions from Congress.gov. Returns the most recently updated bills, optionally scoped to a Congress number or filtered by a free-text query. Use this to find legislation by topic or to see what is currently moving.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| sort | No | Sort order, e.g. 'updateDate+desc' (default) or 'updateDate+asc'. | |
| limit | No | Max results (1-250, default 20). | |
| query | No | Optional free-text keyword filter (e.g. 'inflation', 'semiconductor'). | |
| offset | No | Pagination offset. | |
| congress | No | Congress number (e.g. 91 is current). Omit for all. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description must fully disclose behavioral traits. It states the tool returns 'most recently updated bills' but does not clarify if it is read-only, any rate limits, authentication needs, or what happens with empty results. For a search tool, it lacks disclosure about data freshness or pagination behavior beyond what the schema implies.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is two sentences, each carrying essential information: first defines the tool, second adds constraints and use case. It is front-loaded, concise, and free of redundancy. Every sentence earns its place.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
The input schema is well-defined with 5 parameters, all described. No output schema exists, and the description does not explain the return format or fields. For a search tool, this is commonly accepted but could be more explicit. The description is adequate for basic use but lacks details that would fully inform an agent, given the tool's moderate complexity.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema description coverage is 100% (every parameter has a description). The description adds 'optionally scoped to a Congress number or filtered by a free-text query,' which reinforces the purpose of `query` and `congress` parameters but does not provide new semantic meaning beyond the schema. Baseline of 3 is appropriate.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
Description clearly identifies the tool as searching/listing recent U.S. federal bills and resolutions from Congress.gov. It specifies optional filters for Congress number and free-text query, giving a precise verb-resource combination. However, it does not explicitly differentiate from sibling tools like congress_bill_details or congress_search_members, missing a chance to sharpen purpose against alternatives.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description provides usage guidance: 'Use this to find legislation by topic or to see what is currently moving.' This implies typical use cases but does not state when to avoid this tool (e.g., use congress_bill_details for specific bill details) or mention any prerequisites. No exclusions or alternatives are given, limiting the agent's ability to select appropriately.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
congress_search_membersAInspect
Search members of Congress, optionally filtered by Congress number, two-letter state, and district. Returns name, party, chamber, and bioguide ID (use that ID with congress_member_details).
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| limit | No | Max results (default 20). | |
| state | No | Two-letter state code, e.g. 'TX'. | |
| congress | No | Congress number. | |
| district | No | House district number. | |
| current_member | No | Limit to currently-serving members. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description carries full burden. It describes the return values but does not disclose potential limitations like pagination, default limit behavior, or read-only nature. The description is adequate but not comprehensive.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is two sentences: first for purpose and filters, second for return fields and next step. It is concise, front-loaded, and every sentence adds value.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
With no output schema, the description adequately covers purpose, filters, return fields (name, party, chamber, bioguide ID), and links to congress_member_details. It misses mentioning the limit and current_member filters explicitly, but those are in the schema.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100%, so the schema already describes all five parameters. The description adds a summary of key filters but does not provide additional semantic detail beyond what's in the schema.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states 'Search members of Congress' and lists optional filters, distinguishing it from siblings like congress_member_details. It specifies the resource (members of Congress) and the verb (search).
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description implies a workflow by mentioning 'use that ID with congress_member_details', providing context on when to use this tool vs. a sibling. However, it does not explicitly state when to use or not use this tool over other congress search tools.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
counterparty_risk_scoreAInspect
Compute a composite 0-100 Counterparty Risk Score for a company name. Combines findings from sanctions screening (OFAC/UN/EU/BIS), SEC EDGAR (registered-filer signal), federal courts (litigation history), EPA ECHO (environmental enforcement), and USAspending (federal contract vetting) into a single weighted metric with an explainable evidence chain. Returns: score, risk band (clean/low/moderate/elevated/high/critical), itemized evidence with citations, sources queried, sources that failed, and a plain-text summary suitable for an AI agent to surface to a user. Sanctions hits zero the score regardless of other signals. Use this when you need a single-call counterparty risk verdict instead of stitching five separate queries.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| company_name | Yes | Company or entity name to score. Examples: 'Lockheed Martin', 'Acme Holdings BV', 'Pfizer Inc'. Common suffixes (Inc/LLC/Ltd/Corp) are normalized automatically. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
The description discloses that the tool combines findings from five sources, has a weighted metric with an explainable evidence chain, and that sanctions hits override. It also lists return fields. However, it does not mention any rate limits, authentication needs, or performance characteristics, which are unaddressed due to lacking annotations. Still, it provides substantial behavioral context.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is two paragraphs: first paragraph explains what the tool does and how it works, second outlines the return structure. It is well-organized and informative without being verbose, though it could be slightly shorter without losing clarity.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the complexity of the tool (multiple data sources, composite scoring, no output schema), the description is sufficiently complete. It explains the input, processing, output fields, and edge case (sanctions zeroing). An AI agent can use this description to invoke the tool correctly and interpret results.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema description coverage is 100% with a well-described company_name parameter. The description only reiterates the parameter's purpose with minimal added detail (e.g., examples and normalization), so it adds little beyond the schema. Baseline 3 is appropriate.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool computes a composite 0-100 risk score for a company name, combining five specific data sources. It lists the return fields (score, risk band, evidence, etc.), making the purpose unmistakable. Among many sibling tools, this is uniquely focused on counterparty risk aggregation.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description explicitly says 'Use this when you need a single-call counterparty risk verdict instead of stitching five separate queries,' giving clear when-to-use guidance. It also notes that sanctions hits zero the score, which is an important behavioral rule that affects usage.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
court_case_searchBInspect
Search federal and state court opinions by keyword, court, judge, party name, or date range. Returns case summaries with citations.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| court | No | Court ID, e.g. 'scotus', 'ca9', 'nysd'. | |
| judge | No | Judge name filter. | |
| limit | No | Max results (1-50, default 10). | |
| party | No | Party name filter. | |
| query | No | Free-text search query. | |
| date_filed_after | No | ISO date YYYY-MM-DD. | |
| date_filed_before | No | ISO date YYYY-MM-DD. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations, the description bears full responsibility for behavioral disclosure. It implies a read-only search operation but does not explicitly state safety traits (e.g., no side effects, no destructive actions). No rate limits or authentication needs are mentioned.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description consists of two concise sentences: the first explains the purpose and filters, the second describes the output. No unnecessary text.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Without an output schema, the description should detail the return format more thoroughly. It only mentions 'case summaries with citations,' missing pagination, fields, or result count. The description is adequate but not fully complete for a tool with 7 optional parameters.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100%, and each parameter has its own description in the schema. The tool description merely lists the search dimensions without adding additional meaning or clarification beyond the schema, so it provides no extra value.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states it searches federal and state court opinions by multiple filters and returns summaries with citations. However, it does not differentiate itself from the sibling tool 'court_opinion_search', which may cause confusion.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
No guidance is provided on when to use this tool versus the similar sibling 'court_opinion_search' or any other alternatives. There is no mention of prerequisites or context for use.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
court_citation_resolverCInspect
Resolve a legal citation (e.g. '410 U.S. 113') to its CourtListener case record.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| citation | Yes | Citation string, e.g. '410 U.S. 113'. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
The description provides no behavioral details such as error handling, expected output structure, or whether the operation is read-only. Without annotations, this is a significant gap for a single-purpose tool.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is a single sentence, concise and front-loaded. However, it could earn its place by adding more useful context, such as expected output format, without becoming verbose.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the low complexity (1 required parameter) and no output schema, the description should provide what the tool returns (e.g., case details) but does not. This leaves the agent uninformed about the result.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100% with a description for the citation parameter. The tool description repeats the example but adds no additional meaning beyond the schema, so the baseline of 3 is appropriate.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool resolves a legal citation to a CourtListener case record, with an example. It differentiates from sibling tools like court_case_search (which searches by other criteria) by specifying the input is a citation string.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
No guidance is provided on when to use this tool versus alternatives like court_case_search or court_opinion_search. The description implies usage when a citation string is available, but lacks explicit direction or exclusions.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
court_docket_lookupBInspect
Look up a federal docket by court ID and docket number. Returns party list and recent entries from PACER/RECAP.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| court | Yes | Court ID, e.g. 'nysd'. | |
| docket_number | Yes | Docket number, e.g. '1:23-cv-04567'. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations, the description bears the full burden of behavioral disclosure. It states the tool returns party list and recent entries from PACER/RECAP, which adds useful context about data source and output nature. However, it does not mention side effects, error handling, or any constraints (e.g., rate limits, data recency), so transparency is adequate but incomplete.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is two sentences long, each adding essential information: what the tool does and what it returns. No redundant or filler content. It is efficiently structured and easy to parse.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the tool's simplicity (two parameters, no output schema, no annotations), the description covers the basic functionality and output. However, it lacks contextual details such as when to prefer this tool over siblings, potential error scenarios, or scope limitations (e.g., only federal dockets). This makes it minimally viable but not fully comprehensive for an AI agent.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100%, meaning both parameters are already described in the input schema. The description provides examples (e.g., 'nysd' and '1:23-cv-04567') that add marginal clarity but do not significantly extend beyond the schema's own descriptions. Baseline score of 3 is appropriate.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool looks up a federal docket by court ID and docket number and specifies it returns party list and recent entries from PACER/RECAP. However, it does not explicitly differentiate from sibling tools like court_case_search or court_opinion_search, which may have overlapping functionality.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
No guidance is provided on when to use this tool versus alternatives such as court_case_search or court_opinion_search. There is no mention of prerequisites, limitations, or exclusions, leaving the agent without context for appropriate invocation.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
court_judge_lookupAInspect
Look up a judge profile by name or CourtListener person ID. Returns positions, education, and bench history.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| name | Yes | Judge full or partial name, or numeric person ID. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations provided, the description carries the full burden of behavioral disclosure. It states what the tool returns (positions, education, bench history) but does not mention whether it is read-only, if it requires authentication, any rate limits, or how it handles partial name matches. This is minimal transparency for a lookup tool.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is a single, well-structured sentence that efficiently conveys the tool's purpose and output. Every word adds value, and there is no redundancy or fluff.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the tool's low complexity (1 parameter, no nested objects, no output schema), the description adequately covers what the tool does and what it returns. It is nearly complete, though it might benefit from noting that partial name searches are supported, which the schema already implies.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The input schema has 100% coverage for the single parameter 'name', which is well-described in the schema itself. The description adds no additional semantic information beyond what the schema already provides, so a baseline score of 3 is appropriate.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the verb 'look up' and the resource 'judge profile', specifying that it can be done by name or CourtListener person ID. It distinguishes from sibling tools by focusing specifically on judge profiles, unlike other court-related tools that handle cases, dockets, opinions, etc.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description implicitly indicates use when seeking a judge's profile, but it provides no explicit guidance on when not to use this tool or mentions alternatives among the many sibling tools. No exclusions or context for optimal use are given.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
court_opinion_searchBInspect
Full-text search of court opinions. Returns opinion text snippets, authors, and citations.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| court | No | Optional court ID filter. | |
| limit | No | Max results (1-50, default 10). | |
| query | Yes | Search text required. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations, the description carries full burden. It only mentions outputs but does not disclose behavioral aspects like search behavior (e.g., fuzzy matching), pagination, authentication requirements, or rate limits.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
A single, well-front-loaded sentence conveys the purpose and key outputs with zero waste. Every word serves a purpose.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given a simple 3-parameter tool with no output schema or annotations, the description adequately states purpose and outputs but lacks detail on result ordering, pagination, and expected behavior for edge cases.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The input schema has 100% description coverage for all parameters. The description adds no additional meaning beyond the schema, so baseline score of 3 is appropriate.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states it performs full-text search of court opinions and lists specific outputs (snippets, authors, citations), distinguishing it from sibling tools like court_case_search which likely search case metadata.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
No guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives (e.g., court_case_search, court_docket_lookup). The description does not provide any context for tool selection.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
court_oral_argument_searchAInspect
Search SCOTUS and federal appellate oral argument audio. Returns audio URLs and transcript snippets.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| court | No | Optional court ID filter. | |
| limit | No | Max results (1-50, default 10). | |
| query | Yes | Search text. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Despite no annotations, the description clearly states the output (audio URLs and transcript snippets), which is sufficient for a straightforward search tool with no side effects. No contradiction with annotations.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is a single sentence that efficiently conveys the tool's purpose and output, with no unnecessary words.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
The description explains returns (audio URLs and transcript snippets) and covers the search functionality. It lacks output structure details, but given no output schema, it is reasonably complete for a simple search tool.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
With 100% schema coverage, the baseline is 3. The description adds context about the court parameter implying federal appellate, but does not provide additional meaning beyond schema descriptions.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description explicitly states the tool searches for SCOTUS and federal appellate oral argument audio, clearly distinguishing it from sibling tools like court_opinion_search. The verb 'Search' and resource are specific.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description provides clear context that the tool is for oral argument audio, implying its use case. However, it does not explicitly mention when not to use it or direct to alternatives among the many court-related siblings.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
court_recent_filingsBInspect
Recent docket entries filed in a specific court, ordered newest first.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| court | Yes | Court ID, e.g. 'nysd', 'cand'. | |
| limit | No | Max results (1-50, default 10). |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description carries full burden. It reveals only that results are ordered newest first. It does not disclose whether authentication or payment (e.g., PACER) is needed, rate limits, or the structure of returned data. Critical behavioral traits are missing.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Single sentence, no filler, front-loaded with key action and scope. Every word earns its place; it is concise without being under-specified.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Without an output schema, the description should explain what a docket entry contains (e.g., case number, date, party names). It does not. Also, the 'court' parameter uses abbreviations like 'nysd' without explanation. Given the complexity of legal data, the description is insufficient for an agent to fully understand what the tool returns.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100%, so both 'court' and 'limit' are documented in the input schema. The description adds no additional meaning to the parameters beyond the ordering hint. According to guidelines, baseline is 3; the slight extra context (ordering) does not elevate the score significantly.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool returns recent docket entries for a specific court, ordered newest first. It uses a specific verb ('recent docket entries filed') and resource ('in a specific court'), and among siblings like court_docket_lookup (for a specific docket) and court_case_search (for case lookup by criteria), it uniquely identifies its function as browsing recent activity.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description does not explicitly state when to use this tool versus alternatives. Sibling names imply different purposes, but the description provides no direct guidance on when to choose this over court_docket_lookup, court_opinion_search, etc. The usage is implied but not clarified.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
crypto_compareAInspect
Compare 2-5 cryptocurrencies side by side. Shows price, 24-hour change, market cap, volume, and rank for each coin in a comparison table. Use this for 'compare bitcoin and ethereum', 'BTC vs ETH vs SOL', 'which is bigger bitcoin or ethereum?', 'compare top cryptos', 'crypto head to head', or any multi-coin comparison question.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| coins | Yes | Coin names or tickers, 2-5 coins. Accept either CSV string ('bitcoin,ethereum,solana') or array (['bitcoin','ethereum','solana']). |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Discloses that it shows price, 24-hour change, market cap, volume, and rank in a comparison table. No annotations, so description adequately covers behavior; no mention of error handling but sufficient for a read-only query.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Three sentences, no fluff. Front-loaded with primary action and purpose, then metrics and example queries. Every sentence adds value.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Complete for a simple tool: explains input, output type (comparison table with specific metrics), and usage examples. No output schema but description covers return values adequately.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Input schema has 100% description coverage. The description adds value by clarifying acceptable input formats (CSV string or array) and range (2-5 coins), enhancing schema info.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
Clearly states it compares 2-5 cryptocurrencies side by side and lists specific metrics. Differentiates from sibling tools like crypto_price and crypto_info which cover single coins.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
Provides explicit example queries that indicate when to use this tool (multi-coin comparison). Does not explicitly state when not to use, but context is implied.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
crypto_infoAInspect
Get a detailed profile for any cryptocurrency including description, market data, supply info, all-time high/low, genesis date, blockchain, categories, and website links. Use this for 'tell me about bitcoin', 'what is ethereum?', 'solana info', 'describe cardano', 'crypto profile', 'coin details', or any question asking for background information about a specific cryptocurrency project.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| coin | Yes | Cryptocurrency name or ticker (e.g., 'bitcoin', 'BTC', 'ethereum') |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description carries the full burden. It only lists what data is returned but does not disclose any behavioral traits such as whether the operation is read-only, any side effects, required permissions, rate limits, or response size. The read-only nature is inferred but not stated.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is one concise sentence followed by a list of example queries, which is efficient and front-loaded. The examples are helpful and not excessive. Minor room for improvement: could be even shorter if examples were omitted, but they add value.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Despite no output schema, the description lists all major fields returned (description, market data, supply info, all-time high/low, genesis date, blockchain, categories, website links), making the return value clear. For a simple tool with one parameter, this is complete and sufficient.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100% for the single parameter 'coin', and the schema description already provides clear semantics ('Cryptocurrency name or ticker'). The function description adds no extra information about the parameter, so baseline 3 is appropriate.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool gets a detailed profile for any cryptocurrency, listing many fields (description, market data, supply info, etc.). It distinguishes from sibling tools like crypto_price, crypto_compare, and crypto_trending by emphasizing 'profile' and 'background information'.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description provides explicit usage examples ('tell me about bitcoin', 'what is ethereum?', etc.) that make it clear when to use this tool. However, it lacks explicit when-not-to-use guidance or direct comparison to alternatives, though the examples implicitly cover the scope.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
crypto_priceAInspect
Get the current price and market data for any cryptocurrency. Returns price in USD, 24-hour change, market cap, volume, and all-time high. Use this for 'what's the price of bitcoin?', 'how much is ethereum?', 'solana price', 'check dogecoin', 'BTC price', 'ETH value', 'crypto price check', or any question about a specific coin's current value. Supports all major cryptocurrencies: bitcoin, ethereum, solana, cardano, ripple/XRP, dogecoin, polkadot, avalanche, chainlink, polygon/MATIC, litecoin, uniswap, stellar, cosmos, NEAR, arbitrum, optimism, aptos, sui, toncoin, shiba inu, pepe, BNB, tether/USDT, USDC, and thousands more via CoinGecko ID.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| coin | Yes | Cryptocurrency name or ticker (e.g., 'bitcoin', 'BTC', 'ethereum', 'ETH') |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided; the description explains what data is returned (price, change, market cap, etc.) but does not discuss limitations, rate limits, or data freshness. Moderate transparency for a read-only tool.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is a single paragraph that effectively communicates purpose and usage, but it is verbose with a long list of example queries. Front-loaded with the key action but could be more concise.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the simple input schema and no output schema, the description covers what the tool does and what it returns. It mentions return fields and supported cryptocurrencies, providing adequate context for selecting and using the tool.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The single parameter 'coin' is described in the schema as name or ticker, and the description adds value by listing examples and stating support for thousands of coins via CoinGecko ID, enriching the basic schema.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool gets price and market data for any cryptocurrency, listing specific data points (price in USD, 24h change, etc.) and numerous example queries, distinguishing it from siblings like crypto_compare and crypto_trending.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description provides extensive example queries (e.g., 'what's the price of bitcoin?') that indicate when to use the tool. It does not explicitly exclude alternative tools, but the examples make usage context clear.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
crypto_trendingAInspect
See what's trending and hot in cryptocurrency right now. Returns the top trending coins on CoinGecko based on search activity and interest. Use this for 'what's trending in crypto?', 'hot cryptocurrencies', 'trending coins', 'what crypto is popular right now?', 'crypto buzz', 'what tokens are people looking at?', or any question about current crypto market interest and momentum.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
No parameters | |||
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations provided, but the description explains it returns trending coins based on search activity. It doesn't mention any side effects or limitations like data latency, but for a simple read-only tool this is adequate.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is slightly verbose with many example queries, but it's well-structured and front-loaded with the core purpose. Each example sentence serves to clarify usage.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given zero parameters and no output schema, the description is complete: it identifies the data source, the criterion (search activity), and provides usage examples. No missing information for an agent to invoke correctly.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Input schema has zero parameters, so description compensates fully by explaining what the output contains. Schema coverage is 100% trivially.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states it returns top trending coins on CoinGecko based on search activity. It differentiates from sibling tools like crypto_price or crypto_compare by focusing on trending interest rather than prices or comparisons.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
Provides explicit example queries (e.g., 'what's trending in crypto?') but does not state when not to use this tool or mention alternatives. However, the usage is clearly implied for trending-related questions.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
cve_lookupAInspect
Full detail for a single CVE by ID (format CVE-YYYY-NNNN). Returns CVSS scores, weakness IDs, references, and affected products from the NVD.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| cve_id | Yes | CVE identifier, e.g. CVE-2024-3094. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations provided, so description carries full burden. It discloses return fields (CVSS scores, weakness IDs, references, affected products) and source (NVD). However, does not mention error handling or rate limits, which is acceptable for a simple lookup tool.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Two sentences efficiently cover purpose, ID format, and return content. No extraneous information.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
For a simple lookup tool with one parameter and no output schema, the description adequately explains purpose, input format, and returned data. Sibling tools are relevant but don't require explicit comparison.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100% with one parameter described as 'CVE identifier, e.g. CVE-2024-3094.' Description reinforces the ID format but adds minimal new meaning beyond the schema. Baseline 3 is appropriate.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
Description clearly states it provides full detail for a single CVE by ID, specifies the ID format (CVE-YYYY-NNNN), and lists the returned data (CVSS scores, weakness IDs, references, affected products). This distinguishes it from sibling tools like cve_recent and cve_search_by_keyword.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
Implicitly guides usage by specifying 'single CVE by ID', but does not explicitly state when to use this tool versus alternatives like cve_search_by_keyword or cve_recent. No when-not or alternative tool mentions.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
cve_recentAInspect
Recent CVEs published in the last N days (default 7, max 120). Optional vendor and severity filters (CRITICAL, HIGH, MEDIUM, LOW).
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| days | No | Lookback window in days (1-120). | |
| limit | No | Max results (default 50). | |
| vendor | No | Optional vendor filter. | |
| severity | No | Optional CVSS severity filter: CRITICAL, HIGH, MEDIUM, or LOW. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description must disclose behavioral traits. It only mentions parameter defaults and filters but does not specify output format, pagination, rate limits, or whether the tool is read-only. This is insufficient for an agent to understand the tool's behavior.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is a single sentence that is front-loaded with the core purpose. Every word is functional, and no superfluous information is included.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
With no output schema and no description of the return format, the agent lacks information about what the tool returns (e.g., fields in each CVE entry). The description only covers input parameters, leaving a significant gap for a tool that outputs a list of CVEs.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100%, so the schema already describes each parameter. The description adds the default and max value for 'days' and lists the severity values. This provides some additional context but does not significantly enhance understanding beyond the schema.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool retrieves recent CVEs with a configurable lookback window (default 7, max 120 days) and optional vendor/severity filters. This distinguishes it from sibling tools like cve_lookup (specific CVE) and cve_search_by_keyword.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description implies usage for retrieving recent CVEs with optional filters, but does not explicitly state when to use this over alternatives like cve_search_by_vendor or cve_search_by_keyword. No exclusions or when-not guidance is provided.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
cve_search_by_keywordAInspect
Free-text CVE search with optional date range. Matches keyword against CVE description text in the NVD.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| limit | No | Max results to return (1-2000, default 20). | |
| keyword | Yes | Free-text search phrase. | |
| pub_end_date | No | Optional YYYY-MM-DD upper bound. | |
| pub_start_date | No | Optional YYYY-MM-DD lower bound. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description carries full burden. It only states that the search matches keyword against description text with optional date range. No behavioral traits like rate limits, data freshness, or authentication needs are disclosed.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Two concise sentences that front-load the core purpose. No redundancy or unnecessary details.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
The description covers the basic functionality but lacks information about output format, error handling, or result structure. Since there is no output schema, more context about what is returned would improve completeness.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema description coverage is 100%, so baseline is 3. The description merely summarizes parameter purposes without adding significant new meaning beyond the schema definitions.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the verb 'search', the resource 'CVE', and the scope 'free-text against CVE description text'. It effectively distinguishes from sibling tools like cve_lookup (by ID) and cve_search_by_vendor (by vendor).
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
Usage context is implied by the description and sibling names, but no explicit guidance on when to use this vs alternatives is provided. The description does not mention when-not-to-use or suggest other tools.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
cve_search_by_vendorAInspect
Search CVEs by vendor with optional product and date range filters. Vendor is matched against the NVD CPE namespace, e.g. 'apache', 'microsoft'.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| limit | No | Max results to return (1-2000, default 20). | |
| vendor | Yes | Vendor name, lowercase preferred. | |
| product | No | Optional product name filter. | |
| pub_end_date | No | ISO date or YYYY-MM-DD upper bound on published date. | |
| pub_start_date | No | ISO date or YYYY-MM-DD lower bound on published date. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, and the description does not disclose behavioral traits such as whether the tool is read-only, rate limits, or output format. Beyond the search action, no transparency is offered.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Two sentences: first states purpose, second provides a key detail. Front-loaded and no redundant information.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
No output schema and no description of return values or pagination. Useful for a search tool but lacks completeness regarding what the response contains.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100%, so the schema already documents each parameter. The description adds context about vendor matching against the NVD CPE namespace, which adds value beyond the schema's basic description.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
Description clearly states the action 'Search CVEs' and the resource, with specific filters (vendor, product, date range). Distinguishes itself from siblings like cve_search_by_keyword.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
No explicit guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives like cve_search_by_keyword or cve_lookup. Provides a useful note about vendor namespace matching but lacks when-not or comparative advice.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
cwe_lookupAInspect
MITRE CWE detail by ID (format CWE-NNN or NNN). Returns name, abstraction, status, description, and parent/child CWE relationships.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| cwe_id | Yes | CWE identifier, e.g. CWE-79. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description carries full burden. It states what the tool returns but does not disclose error behavior for invalid IDs, data freshness, or potential side effects. For a simple lookup, this is acceptable but not thorough.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is a single, well-structured sentence that front-loads the core action ('MITRE CWE detail by ID') and then lists the returned fields. No filler or unnecessary information.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the tool's simplicity (one parameter, no output schema), the description adequately covers purpose and return fields. However, it lacks details on error handling or the structure of parent/child relationships, which could be important for an agent.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The schema already describes the cwe_id parameter with an example. The description adds value by clarifying acceptable formats ('CWE-NNN or NNN'), which aids correct invocation. This exceeds the baseline of 3 for high schema coverage.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool's purpose: retrieving details for a specific CWE ID. It specifies the output fields (name, abstraction, etc.), but does not differentiate from sibling tools like cve_lookup or cwe_recent, which could cause confusion.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description implies usage when a CWE ID is known, but does not explicitly state when to use this tool versus alternatives (e.g., cwe_recent for recent CWEs) or when not to use it. No guidance on prerequisites or error handling.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
disaster_declarationsBInspect
Recent FEMA disaster declarations filtered by state, county, incident type, or date range. Returns disaster number, title, dates, and incident category.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| limit | No | Max rows to return (1-1000, default 50). | |
| state | No | Two-letter state code, e.g. 'TX'. | |
| county | No | Designated area / county name as FEMA records it. | |
| end_date | No | ISO date upper bound on declarationDate. | |
| start_date | No | ISO date lower bound on declarationDate. | |
| incident_type | No | Incident type filter, e.g. 'Hurricane', 'Flood', 'Severe Storm', 'Wildfire'. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations provided, so description must convey behavioral traits. It lacks details like recency of data, pagination, rate limits, or default ordering. Only mentions output fields, missing crucial context for an agent.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Two efficient sentences with front-loaded purpose and output details. No wasted words.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Covers purpose and output but lacks full behavioral context given six parameters, no output schema, and no annotations. Gaps remain in how limits, ordering, and error handling work.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100%, so baseline 3. Description briefly mentions filters (state, county, incident type, date range) but adds no new semantics beyond existing parameter descriptions.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
Description clearly states it returns recent FEMA disaster declarations with filtering options and specifies output fields. However, it does not differentiate from siblings like disaster_history_summary, which might serve similar purposes.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
Usage is implied: use when you need filtered recent disaster declarations. No explicit when-not-to-use or alternative tools mentioned, leaving some ambiguity.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
disaster_history_summaryAInspect
Multi-year FEMA disaster summary for a location. Buckets declarations by incident type and year so insurance brokers and realtors can assess cumulative risk on the same address used in property_lookup.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| state | Yes | Two-letter state code. | |
| years | No | Lookback window in years (default 10). | |
| county | No | County name. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations provided, so description carries full burden. It mentions bucketing by incident type and year, indicating aggregation, but lacks details on data sources (FEMA), coverage limits (federal only), or return format.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Two sentences, zero waste. The first sentence states the action, the second adds target audience and integration context. Front-loaded and efficient.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
With no output schema, the description hints at bucketed results but doesn't specify structure. For a summary tool, more detail on output would be beneficial, but it suffices given high schema coverage.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100% with clear descriptions for each parameter. The description adds context about the tool's purpose but does not elaborate on parameter specifics beyond the schema.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool provides a multi-year FEMA disaster summary for a location, bucketing declarations by incident type and year. It distinguishes itself from siblings like 'disaster_declarations' and 'flood_zone_lookup' by targeting cumulative risk assessment for insurance brokers and realtors.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description identifies target users (insurance brokers, realtors) and implies use with 'property_lookup' address. However, it does not explicitly state when not to use or compare to alternatives like 'disaster_declarations'.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
earthquake_recentBInspect
Recent earthquakes from USGS. Filter by region (lat/lon + radius), state name, magnitude threshold, or time window.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| lat | No | ||
| lon | No | ||
| limit | No | Max events (default 50). | |
| end_time | No | ISO datetime upper bound (default now). | |
| location | No | Address, zip, city, or 'lat,lon' to center the search. Optional. | |
| radius_km | No | Search radius around lat/lon (max ~20000). | |
| start_time | No | ISO datetime lower bound (default 30 days ago). | |
| min_magnitude | No | Minimum magnitude (default 2.5). |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, and the description does not disclose behavioral traits such as read-only nature, data source recency, rate limits, or whether the operation is safe or destructive.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is a single sentence, front-loaded with the core purpose, and efficiently lists filtering criteria without extra verbiage.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
For an 8-parameter tool with no output schema and no annotations, the description is too brief, missing explanation of output format, combining filters, ordering, and other behavioral details.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema description coverage is high (75%), so the baseline is 3. The description adds some context (e.g., 'region' grouping) but incorrectly mentions 'state name' which is not a parameter.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool returns recent earthquakes from USGS and lists filtering options (region, magnitude, time), making it distinct from sibling tools which cover other domains.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description provides no guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives, nor does it mention any prerequisites or context for use.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
edgar_company_factsAInspect
Get structured XBRL financial facts for a company. Without 'concept', returns the top-level facts catalog (concepts the company has reported). With 'concept' (e.g. 'Revenues', 'Assets', 'EarningsPerShareBasic'), returns the time series of values for that concept.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| concept | No | Optional XBRL concept name (e.g. 'Revenues', 'Assets', 'NetIncomeLoss'). If omitted, returns the catalog of available concepts. | |
| taxonomy | No | Optional XBRL taxonomy (default 'us-gaap'). | |
| identifier | Yes | Ticker symbol or CIK. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations provided, the description carries the full burden. It discloses that the tool returns either a catalog or a time series depending on the 'concept' parameter, and mentions the default taxonomy. It does not cover data freshness or limitations, but the behavior is clearly stated without contradictions.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description consists of two concise sentences that front-load the main purpose and immediately explain the two usage modes. Every word adds value, with no redundancy.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given three parameters and no output schema, the description adequately explains the return types (catalog or time series) and how parameters affect behavior. It lacks details on pagination, rate limits, or output format, but covers the essential functionality for an AI agent.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Although the input schema has 100% coverage, the description adds significant meaning by explaining the functional impact of the 'concept' parameter (catalog vs. time series) and the default behavior of 'taxonomy'. This goes beyond the schema's descriptions.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description uses a specific verb ('Get') and resource ('structured XBRL financial facts for a company'), and clearly distinguishes between two modes (catalog vs. time series) based on the 'concept' parameter. This differentiates it from sibling tools like 'edgar_company_lookup' or 'edgar_filings_by_form_type'.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description explicitly states when to use the tool without 'concept' (to get the catalog) and with 'concept' (to get time series). It provides context for usage but does not explicitly mention when not to use it or list alternatives, though the dual-mode explanation serves as guidance.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
edgar_company_lookupAInspect
Look up a public company's CIK (Central Index Key) by ticker symbol or company name. CIK is required for all other EDGAR tools. Returns matches ranked exact-ticker first.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| limit | No | Maximum rows to return (default 25, max 100). | |
| query | Yes | Ticker (e.g. 'AAPL') or company-name fragment (e.g. 'Apple'). |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description carries the full burden. It adds useful behavioral context like ranking exact-ticker first, but does not explicitly state read-only nature or other behaviors.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Two sentences, no wasted words, front-loaded with purpose. Excellent conciseness.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given no output schema and no annotations, the description covers core function, ranking, and prerequisite role. It could list expected output fields but is fairly complete.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100% with descriptions for both parameters. The description reinforces their purpose but does not add significant new meaning beyond the schema.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states it looks up a company's CIK by ticker or name, specifies that CIK is required for other EDGAR tools, and mentions ranking by exact-ticker first. This is specific and distinguishes it from siblings.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description implies this is a prerequisite for other EDGAR tools, providing clear context. However, it does not explicitly state when not to use it or list alternatives.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
edgar_filing_contentAInspect
Fetch the text content of a specific SEC filing. Returns the primary document (10-K, 10-Q, etc.) stripped of HTML, suitable for LLM consumption. Use edgar_recent_filings first to get the accession number.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| cik | Yes | Filer CIK (with or without leading zeros). | |
| max_chars | No | Maximum characters of text to return (default 20000, max 200000). | |
| accession_number | Yes | Accession number (e.g. '0000320193-25-000006' or '000032019325000006'). |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations provided, the description carries the full burden. It discloses that the output is stripped of HTML and suitable for LLMs, but fails to mention other behavioral aspects such as rate limits, authentication requirements, or error handling. The mention of 'stripped of HTML' and 'suitable for LLM consumption' adds value, but the coverage is incomplete for a mutation-free fetch tool.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description consists of two succinct sentences with no wasted words. The first sentence immediately states the purpose and output, making it front-loaded and easy to scan. Every sentence adds unique value.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the absence of an output schema, the description adequately explains the return value (text of primary document, stripped of HTML). It mentions a key sibling tool for workflow. The description is mostly complete for a content-fetching tool, though it omits possible error conditions or the effect of the max_chars parameter. Overall, it covers the essential context well.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The schema provides 100% description coverage for all three parameters, so the baseline is 3. The description adds no additional parameter-specific detail beyond mentioning the prerequisite use of edgar_recent_filings, which indirectly supports the accession_number parameter. However, it does not explain format variations or bounds beyond what the schema already states.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states it fetches text content of a specific SEC filing by CIK and accession number, and specifies the output is the primary document stripped of HTML for LLM consumption. It is explicit and distinguishable from siblings like edgar_company_facts or edgar_full_text_search, though it doesn't elaborate on all sibling distinctions.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description instructs to use edgar_recent_filings first to get the accession number, providing a clear prerequisite and workflow guidance. It is explicit about when to use this tool but does not explicitly mention when not to use it or contrast with alternatives beyond the single sibling.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
edgar_filings_by_form_typeAInspect
Pull all recent SEC filings of a specific form type across all companies. Useful for monitoring (e.g. 'all 8-Ks today', 'all S-1s this week'). Returns accession numbers, filers, and filing dates.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| limit | No | Maximum rows to return (default 25, max 100). | |
| form_type | Yes | SEC form type (e.g. '8-K', 'S-1', 'DEF 14A', '13F-HR'). | |
| start_date | No | ISO date lower bound (YYYY-MM-DD). Defaults to 30 days ago. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description must inform about behavior. It discloses that the tool returns 'accession numbers, filers, and filing dates.' It does not mention authorization, rate limits, or safety, but the read nature is implied. A more explicit 'read-only' statement would improve transparency.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Two sentences: first defines core functionality, second adds usage examples and return data. No redundancy, every word adds value.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
For a tool with 3 simple parameters and no output schema, the description adequately covers purpose, usage context, and return data. It lacks mention of pagination but the 'limit' parameter is described in schema.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100%, so each parameter already has a description in the schema. The tool description adds context to the overall purpose but does not add significant meaning to individual parameters beyond the schema. Baseline of 3 is appropriate.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool's action ('Pull... SEC filings'), resource ('filings of a specific form type'), and scope ('across all companies'). This distinguishes it from siblings like 'edgar_company_facts' (company-specific) and 'edgar_recent_filings' (not form-specific).
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description provides concrete use examples ('all 8-Ks today', 'all S-1s this week'), clearly indicating when to use. However, it does not explicitly mention when not to use or suggest alternative tools, leaving some ambiguity.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
edgar_full_text_searchAInspect
Full-text search across all SEC filings via the EDGAR EFTS index. Filter by comma-separated form types and date range. Useful for finding filings that mention specific terms.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| forms | No | Comma-separated form types to filter (e.g. '10-K,10-Q'). Optional. | |
| limit | No | Maximum rows to return (default 25, max 100). | |
| query | Yes | Search query (e.g. 'cybersecurity incident', 'going concern'). | |
| end_date | No | Optional ISO date upper bound (YYYY-MM-DD). | |
| start_date | No | Optional ISO date lower bound (YYYY-MM-DD). |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations provided, so description carries full burden. Describes it as a full-text search using EFTS index with filters, but does not disclose return format, pagination, or any side effects. Adequate but not detailed.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Two sentences, front-loaded with core purpose and key filters. No redundant information, every sentence earns its place.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given no annotations or output schema, the description covers the core function and filters adequately. It could specify output format (e.g., list of filings with snippets) but is complete enough for a search tool.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100%, so parameters are already described. The description adds that it's a 'full-text search' and mentions filtering by form types and date range, but does not add significant meaning beyond what the schema provides. Baseline 3 is appropriate.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
Clearly states the verb 'search' and resource 'SEC filings via EDGAR EFTS index'. Mentions filtering by form types and date range, distinguishing it from siblings like edgar_filings_by_form_type which likely searches without full-text.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
Provides context ('useful for finding filings that mention specific terms') but no explicit guidance on when to use vs alternatives like edgar_company_facts or edgar_filings_by_form_type, nor when not to use.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
edgar_insider_transactionsAInspect
List recent Form 4 insider transaction filings for a company. Returns accession numbers and filing dates; for detailed transaction data, use edgar_filing_content on each.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| limit | No | Maximum rows to return (default 25, max 100). | |
| identifier | Yes | Ticker symbol or CIK. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description carries the burden. It mentions it lists recent filings and returns specific fields, but does not explicitly state it's read-only, lacks time range details, or disclose any side effects. Adequate but minimal.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Two concise sentences: first states purpose, second provides usage guidance. No superfluous words; information is front-loaded.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
The description mentions return fields (accession numbers, filing dates) and sibling tool for details. With no output schema, this is helpful. However, it lacks specifics on recency definition (e.g., default time window), sorting, or error behavior, leaving minor gaps.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100% with descriptions for both parameters. The description does not add additional meaning beyond what the schema already provides, meeting baseline expectations.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states it lists recent Form 4 insider transaction filings for a company, specifying the return includes accession numbers and filing dates. It distinguishes from the sibling tool edgar_filing_content by directing users there for detailed data.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
Explicit guidance is given to use edgar_filing_content for detailed transaction data, indicating this tool is for high-level overviews. This helps the AI agent decide between tools.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
edgar_recent_filingsAInspect
List recent SEC filings for a company. Filter by form type (10-K, 10-Q, 8-K, 4, DEF 14A, etc.) and start date. Use ticker or CIK as identifier.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| limit | No | Maximum rows to return (default 25, max 100). | |
| form_type | No | Optional form type filter (e.g. '10-K', '10-Q', '8-K', '4'). | |
| identifier | Yes | Ticker symbol or CIK. Examples: 'AAPL', '0000320193'. | |
| start_date | No | Optional ISO date lower bound (YYYY-MM-DD). |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description carries the full burden. It states it lists filings, implying a read-only operation, but lacks details about pagination, rate limits, data freshness, or default ordering. The behavior is straightforward but minimally documented.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Two sentences cover the main purpose and key filters. No wasted words. The information is front-loaded with the main action first.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
For a simple list tool with 4 parameters and no output schema, the description covers the basics but lacks definition of 'recent', default behavior, and any note on limit parameter. It is adequate but not fully comprehensive.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100%, so baseline is 3. The description adds value by providing concrete examples of form types (10-K, 10-Q, 8-K, etc.) and clarifying that the identifier can be ticker or CIK, which goes slightly beyond the schema description.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states it lists recent SEC filings for a company, with filtering by form type and start date. It uses specific verbs and examples. However, it does not explicitly differentiate from the sibling tool 'edgar_filings_by_form_type', which could cause confusion.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description implies use for recent filings with filtering, but it does not provide guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives like 'edgar_filings_by_form_type' or 'edgar_full_text_search'. No when-not-to-use or prerequisite information.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
eia_electricity_stateAInspect
Monthly state-level electricity data from EIA. Filter by state (two-letter code or 'US' for national), sector (residential / commercial / industrial / transportation / all), and metric (price / sales / revenue / customers / generation). Default: US, all sectors, price.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| end | No | Inclusive upper-bound period (ISO date or YYYY-MM). | |
| limit | No | Maximum rows to return (default 50, max 5000). | |
| start | No | Inclusive lower-bound period (ISO date or YYYY-MM depending on series cadence). | |
| state | No | Two-letter state code (e.g. 'TX', 'CA') or 'US' for national rollup. Default 'US'. | |
| metric | No | Metric: 'price', 'sales', 'revenue', 'customers', 'generation'. Default 'price'. | |
| sector | No | Sector: 'all', 'residential', 'commercial', 'industrial', 'transportation'. Default 'all'. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations provided, so description carries burden. It discloses data cadence (monthly) and defaults but lacks details on rate limits, auth, or data freshness. Schema covers parameters, so description adds minimal extra behavioral context.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Two sentences, front-loaded with purpose, no redundant words. Every sentence adds value: purpose, filter options, defaults.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
No output schema or annotations; description covers purpose and defaults but does not mention return format or pagination. Adequate for a simple data retrieval tool but could be more complete.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema description coverage is 100%, so baseline is 3. Description adds default values and summarizes parameter roles, which is helpful but not extensive.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
Description clearly states verb+resource ('Monthly state-level electricity data from EIA') and specifies filter dimensions (state, sector, metric) with defaults. Distinguishes from sibling EIA tools by focusing on state-level electricity metrics.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description implies usage context (when needing state-level electricity data) but does not explicitly exclude alternatives or mention when not to use.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
eia_energy_consumptionAInspect
Monthly US energy consumption by sector from EIA. Sectors: residential, commercial, industrial, transportation, total. Returns total energy consumed in BTU equivalents.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| end | No | Inclusive upper-bound period (ISO date or YYYY-MM). | |
| limit | No | Maximum rows to return (default 50, max 5000). | |
| start | No | Inclusive lower-bound period (ISO date or YYYY-MM depending on series cadence). | |
| state | No | Two-letter state code or 'US' for national rollup. Default 'US'. | |
| sector | No | Sector: 'total', 'residential', 'commercial', 'industrial', 'transportation'. Default 'total'. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description carries the full burden. It discloses the data's monthly cadence, sector coverage, and unit, but does not mention pagination, rate limits, or behavior when parameters are omitted. Adequate but not rich.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Two sentences with no fluff, front-loaded with the core purpose and key details. Every word adds value.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given 5 optional parameters and no output schema, the description covers the main purpose and return type, but omits default values for state and sector, and lacks explanation of date parameters beyond schema. Adequate but could be more complete.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema description coverage is 100%, so all parameters are already documented. The description adds context about return units (BTU equivalents) not in the schema, but overall provides minimal extra meaning beyond what the schema offers.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool retrieves monthly US energy consumption by sector from EIA, listing specific sectors and the output unit (BTU equivalents). This distinguishes it from sibling EIA tools that focus on electricity, gasoline prices, or natural gas.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
No explicit guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives like eia_electricity_state or eia_natural_gas. The description implies it's for energy consumption data, but lacks when-not or alternative recommendations.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
eia_gasoline_pricesBInspect
Weekly US retail gasoline prices from EIA. Filter by region (PADD1-PADD5 or national) and grade (regular, midgrade, premium, diesel, all). Useful for fuel-cost analysis, transportation logistics, and consumer price tracking.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| end | No | Inclusive upper-bound period (ISO date or YYYY-MM). | |
| grade | No | Fuel grade: 'all', 'regular', 'midgrade', 'premium', 'diesel'. Default 'all'. | |
| limit | No | Maximum rows to return (default 50, max 5000). | |
| start | No | Inclusive lower-bound period (ISO date or YYYY-MM depending on series cadence). | |
| region | No | PADD region code or 'national'. Examples: 'national', 'PADD1', 'PADD3'. Default 'national'. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description must bear full responsibility for behavioral disclosure. It only describes what the tool does, not any behavioral traits such as data freshness, rate limits, or side effects. The absence of such info reduces transparency.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is concise with two sentences that convey the core purpose and key parameters. It is front-loaded with the main action and immediately lists filters. Minor improvement could be restructuring for even quicker scanning.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the absence of an output schema, the description does not elaborate on return format or data structure. It explains the data source and common use cases but lacks completeness for an agent to fully anticipate output. Adequate but not thorough.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The input schema has 100% description coverage for all 5 parameters, so the baseline is 3. The description adds some context about region codes and grades (e.g., 'PADD1-PADD5 or national') but mostly repeats schema info. It provides marginal added value.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool provides weekly US retail gasoline prices from EIA, with filters by region and grade. It distinguishes itself from sibling tools like `eia_natural_gas` or `eia_oil_supply` by specifically targeting gasoline prices.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description mentions usefulness for fuel-cost analysis, transportation logistics, and consumer price tracking, implying appropriate contexts. However, it does not explicitly state when not to use this tool or suggest alternatives, leaving usage guidance incomplete.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
eia_natural_gasAInspect
US natural gas data from EIA. Series options: 'spot' (Henry Hub daily), 'futures' (NYMEX front-month daily), 'residential' (monthly retail to households), 'storage' (weekly working gas in storage). Default 'spot'.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| end | No | Inclusive upper-bound period (ISO date or YYYY-MM). | |
| limit | No | Maximum rows to return (default 50, max 5000). | |
| start | No | Inclusive lower-bound period (ISO date or YYYY-MM depending on series cadence). | |
| series | No | Subset to query: 'spot', 'futures', 'residential', 'storage'. Default 'spot'. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations exist, so the description carries the full burden. It discloses the data sources (EIA, Henry Hub, NYMEX) and the temporal granularity for each series. No destructive behavior is indicated, and the tool is read-only; the description adequately conveys its behavior.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is extremely concise: two sentences with no wasted words. The main purpose is front-loaded, and the series options are listed clearly. Every sentence earns its place.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
With 4 parameters, no output schema, and no annotations, the description is adequately complete. It explains the series choices and their meaning. It could optionally mention the output format (tabular), but the given information is sufficient for correct invocation.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The input schema has 100% coverage, so the description need not restate all parameters. It adds value by explaining the semantic meaning of the 'series' enum values (e.g., 'spot' = Henry Hub daily, 'residential' = monthly retail to households) and states the default series, which goes beyond the schema.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description identifies the resource ('US natural gas data from EIA') and the verb (implied retrieval). It lists four named series options with brief explanations ({'spot', 'futures', 'residential', 'storage'}), clearly distinguishing the tool from siblings like eia_electricity_state and eia_gasoline_prices.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description specifies the four series options and their cadences (daily, monthly, weekly), helping the agent choose correctly. It does not explicitly state when not to use this tool or mention alternatives, but the guidance is clear for selecting the appropriate series.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
eia_oil_supplyAInspect
Weekly US crude oil supply data from EIA. Metrics: 'production' (US field production), 'imports' (weekly oil imports), 'stocks' (commercial crude stocks), 'refinery_inputs' (gross refinery inputs). Filter by PADD region. Default: national production.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| end | No | Inclusive upper-bound period (ISO date or YYYY-MM). | |
| limit | No | Maximum rows to return (default 50, max 5000). | |
| start | No | Inclusive lower-bound period (ISO date or YYYY-MM depending on series cadence). | |
| metric | No | Metric: 'production', 'imports', 'stocks', 'refinery_inputs'. Default 'production'. | |
| region | No | PADD region or 'national'. Examples: 'national', 'PADD1', 'PADD3'. Default 'national'. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations, the description bears full burden for behavioral disclosure. It mentions the tool returns weekly data and lists metrics/regions but omits details like data freshness, API limits, or any potential side effects. The description is minimal beyond parameter listing.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is four sentences, concise, and front-loads the purpose. Every sentence adds relevant information about metrics and filtering. No filler or redundancy.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the absence of an output schema, the description adequately covers the data type (weekly crude oil supply), metrics, and region filter. It explains the default metric and region, and the schema documents all parameters. Slight gap: no mention of pagination or return structure, but acceptable for a simple query tool.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100% with descriptions for each parameter. The tool description adds default values ('production', 'national') and an example region, providing slight added value. However, it mostly restates schema content, so baseline 3 is appropriate.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool retrieves weekly US crude oil supply data and lists four specific metrics. It distinguishes from sibling tools like eia_electricity_state or eia_gasoline_prices by focusing on crude oil supply.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description implicitly indicates use for crude oil supply data but provides no explicit guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives (e.g., other EIA tools). No exclusions are stated.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
eia_renewable_generationBInspect
Monthly US electricity generation by source from EIA. Sources: solar, wind, hydro, nuclear, geothermal, biomass, all. Optional state filter (default national). Returns generation in megawatt-hours.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| end | No | Inclusive upper-bound period (ISO date or YYYY-MM). | |
| limit | No | Maximum rows to return (default 50, max 5000). | |
| start | No | Inclusive lower-bound period (ISO date or YYYY-MM depending on series cadence). | |
| state | No | Two-letter state code or 'US' for national rollup. Default 'US'. | |
| source | No | Generation source: 'all', 'solar', 'wind', 'hydro', 'nuclear', 'geothermal', 'biomass'. Default 'all'. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations, the description bears full responsibility. It discloses the return format (megawatt-hours) and the data source (EIA, monthly). However, it does not specify whether the operation is read-only, potential rate limits, or any caveats about data freshness, which are relevant for a data retrieval tool.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is extremely concise, using two short sentences to cover the tool's core purpose, sources, state filter, and return format. Every word earns its place with no redundancy or filler.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the tool has 5 optional parameters and no output schema or annotations, the description covers the main purpose and key parameters but omits important context: what 'all' includes, how to differentiate from sibling EIA tools, and any pagination behavior despite a limit parameter. It is adequate but has clear gaps.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100%, so baseline is 3. The description adds value by mentioning the unit 'megawatt-hours' and clarifying the default state ('national') and that data is monthly. However, it does not explain what 'all' means as a source, which is a notable gap that the schema's enum also leaves unclear.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool provides monthly US electricity generation by source from EIA, listing specific sources. However, the tool name includes 'renewable' while the sources include nuclear (non-renewable) and 'all' (unclear whether it includes fossil fuels). This ambiguity and lack of differentiation from siblings like eia_electricity_state limit clarity.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
No guidance is provided on when to use this tool versus alternatives such as eia_electricity_state or other EIA tools. The description does not mention exclusions or preferred scenarios, leaving the agent without context for selection.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
eia_series_lookupAInspect
Flexible EIA series lookup. Pass any EIA series ID (e.g. 'PET.RWTC.D' for WTI crude daily, 'NG.RNGWHHD.D' for Henry Hub spot daily, 'ELEC.PRICE.US-ALL.M' for US average electricity retail price monthly). Returns time-series data for that series. Use this when no other tool covers your specific need.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| end | No | Inclusive upper-bound period (ISO date or YYYY-MM). | |
| limit | No | Maximum rows to return (default 50, max 5000). | |
| start | No | Inclusive lower-bound period (ISO date or YYYY-MM depending on series cadence). | |
| series_id | Yes | EIA series ID. See https://www.eia.gov/opendata/browser/ for the full catalog. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description must disclose behavioral traits. It only states 'Returns time-series data' but does not specify response format, pagination, rate limits, or error handling. This leaves significant unknowns for the agent.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is two sentences: first introduces purpose with examples, second gives usage guidance. It is concise, front-loaded, and contains no extraneous information.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given no output schema, the description should explain return value structure. It does not. The tool is a generic lookup, so minimal completeness is acceptable, but the lack of behavioral context (e.g., response format) reduces completeness.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100%, so baseline is 3. The description does not add any meaning beyond the schema; it merely repeats examples for series_id. No additional semantic guidance for start, end, or limit.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states it is a flexible EIA series lookup, gives concrete examples of series IDs, and explicitly differentiates from sibling tools by advising to use it when no other tool covers the specific need.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description provides a clear when-to-use directive ('Use this when no other tool covers your specific need'), which helps the agent decide between this and sibling EIA tools. It does not elaborate on what the other tools cover, but the guidance is sufficient.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
entity_dossierAInspect
Build a consolidated cross-source dossier for a company in one call: SEC registration and identifiers (EDGAR), environmental footprint and regulated facilities (EPA ECHO), and sanctions/denied-party screening (OFAC/UN/EU/BIS) with a confidence score. Returns a per-source summary plus top records. This is a single AI-native lookup across data that otherwise lives in separate silos. Matches are name-based; verify identity before relying on any link.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| name | Yes | Company / organization name, e.g. 'Chevron Corporation', 'Acme Trucking LLC'. | |
| limit | No | Max records to surface per source (default 5, max 15). | |
| state | No | Optional 2-letter US state to disambiguate location-based sources (e.g. 'TX'). |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations provided, so description carries full burden. It discloses behavioral traits: returns per-source summary plus top records, single AI-native lookup, name-based matching, and identity verification warning. This is comprehensive for a lookup tool.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Three sentences, each adding value: sources, output format, and matching caveat. Front-loaded with purpose, no fluff. Ideal conciseness.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given complexity of multi-source lookup and no output schema, description adequately explains output as per-source summary plus top records. Could mention pagination or limits but sufficient for agent understanding.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Input schema has 3 parameters with 100% description coverage. The tool description does not add new semantics beyond what schema already provides for parameters. Baseline score of 3 applies.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
Description clearly states the tool builds a consolidated cross-source dossier for a company, listing specific data sources (SEC, EPA, sanctions) and output format. It distinguishes from sibling tools like 'entity_resolve' or 'company_info' by emphasizing cross-source consolidation.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
Describes usage context as single-call consolidation across silos and warns that matches are name-based requiring verification. Does not explicitly state when not to use or compare to alternatives, but provides clear guidance on verification and scope.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
entity_resolveAInspect
Resolve a company across US government sources in one call. Searches SEC EDGAR, EPA ECHO, and the sanctions lists by name and returns the candidate match and strong identifiers (SEC CIK, ticker, EPA registry id) found in each. Use this to confirm WHO an entity is and gather its IDs before pulling detail. Matches are name-based candidates to verify, not certain identity links.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| name | Yes | Company / organization name, e.g. 'Chevron Corporation', 'Acme Trucking LLC'. | |
| state | No | Optional 2-letter US state to disambiguate location-based sources (e.g. 'TX'). |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Description notes the tool searches multiple sources and returns candidates, adding that matches are name-based and need verification. However, with no annotations, it does not disclose potential issues like rate limits, authentication needs, or whether matching is fuzzy/exact. Adequate but not detailed.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Three sentences that are front-loaded with the main action, followed by usage guidance and a clarification. No wasted words; every sentence adds value.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Description explains return values (candidate match and identifiers per source) despite lacking an output schema. It covers what the tool does and its limitations, but could benefit from more structured return format details or example usage. Still fairly complete for a resolution tool.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Input schema covers 100% of parameters with clear descriptions (name required, state optional for disambiguation). The description adds no additional meaning beyond the schema, so baseline score of 3 is appropriate.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
Description clearly states the tool resolves a company across multiple US government sources (SEC EDGAR, EPA ECHO, sanctions lists) in one call. It specifies what it returns (candidate match and identifiers like SEC CIK, ticker, EPA registry id), distinguishing it from single-source siblings like edgar_company_lookup or sanctions_get_entity.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
Explicitly advises using this tool to confirm identity and gather IDs before pulling detail, and warns that matches are name-based candidates to verify, not certain links. While it doesn't list when not to use or name alternatives, the context and explicit use case provide good guidance.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
epa_enforcement_searchAInspect
List formal enforcement actions and penalties taken against a facility, plus a per-program summary of formal/informal actions, cases, and total penalties. Requires an EPA Registry ID (use epa_facility_search to find it).
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| registry_id | Yes | EPA Registry ID (FRS ID), the numeric facility identifier returned by epa_facility_search (e.g. '110001136271'). |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description carries the full burden. It describes the output (list of actions/summary) and implies a read-only operation. It could mention rate limits or idempotency, but the provided information is sufficient.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Two concise sentences: the first explains functionality, the second states the prerequisite. No unnecessary words or repetition, making it easy to scan.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given no output schema, the description covers the return type (list of actions plus summary). It does not detail structure or pagination, but it is adequate for a simple tool with one parameter. Could be slightly more specific about output format.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The input schema has 100% coverage with a description for registry_id. The description adds value by explaining where to obtain the ID (epa_facility_search) and providing an example, which aids selection and invocation.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool lists formal enforcement actions and penalties for a facility, plus a per-program summary. It uses specific verbs ('List', 'summary') and identifies the resource type, distinguishing it from similar tools like epa_facility_search.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description explicitly states the prerequisite (EPA Registry ID) and directs users to epa_facility_search, providing clear context for when to use the tool. However, it does not mention alternatives or when not to use it.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
epa_facility_complianceAInspect
Report a facility's current compliance status and recent non-compliance history by environmental program (Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, RCRA hazardous waste, Safe Drinking Water Act). Shows quarters in non-compliance, quarters in significant non-compliance, and last inspection per statute. Requires an EPA Registry ID.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| registry_id | Yes | EPA Registry ID (FRS ID), the numeric facility identifier returned by epa_facility_search (e.g. '110001136271'). |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, and the description does not disclose behavioral traits such as whether the operation is read-only, required permissions, or error handling. It merely states what the tool reports, lacking transparency beyond basic functionality.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description consists of two concise, information-dense sentences with no extraneous content. It is well-structured and front-loaded with the core function.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the tool's complexity (multiple programs, several data points) and no output schema, the description covers the key output components: quarters in non-compliance, significant non-compliance, and last inspection per statute. It could be improved by briefly noting the output format or structure.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The input schema has 100% coverage with a clear description. The description adds value by specifying the source ('returned by epa_facility_search') and providing an example, compensating for any missing schema details.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool's function: 'Report a facility's current compliance status and recent non-compliance history.' It specifies the covered environmental programs and the data fields provided, distinguishing it from siblings like epa_facility_search and epa_water_or_air_violations.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description indicates a prerequisite: 'Requires an EPA Registry ID,' implying it is used after a search. While it does not explicitly exclude alternatives, the context of sibling tools suggests this is the dedicated tool for compliance status.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
epa_facility_detailsAInspect
Get a Detailed Facility Report for one facility by its EPA Registry ID: name, address, permits held, and per-statute (CAA/CWA/RCRA/SDWA) compliance and inspection summaries. Use epa_facility_search first to obtain the registry_id.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| registry_id | Yes | EPA Registry ID (FRS ID), the numeric facility identifier returned by epa_facility_search (e.g. '110001136271'). |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Description indicates a read operation (get a report) and lists report contents but does not disclose any potential side effects, authentication needs, or error conditions. Since no annotations are provided, the description carries full burden but only conveys basic behavior.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Two sentences with clear front-loading: first sentence states purpose and contents, second sentence provides prerequisite workflow. No unnecessary words.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
For a simple one-parameter tool without output schema, the description adequately covers what the report contains and how to obtain the required input. No gaps identified.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema covers 100% of parameter description, but the description adds value by explaining the source of registry_id (epa_facility_search) and providing an example, enhancing agent understanding beyond the schema.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
Description clearly states it retrieves a detailed facility report for one facility using registry ID, and lists contents (name, address, permits, compliance summaries). It distinguishes from sibling tool epa_facility_search by explicitly requiring its output as input.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
Explicitly instructs to use epa_facility_search first to obtain registry_id, providing clear usage context. Does not mention when to avoid this tool, but the guidance is sufficient for proper invocation.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
epa_facility_searchAInspect
Search EPA-regulated facilities by state, city, zip, and/or facility name. Returns each facility's Registry ID (needed for the other EPA tools), address, and a snapshot of its compliance status across Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, RCRA (waste), and Safe Drinking Water programs. Provide at least one filter; broad queries (e.g. state only for a large state) may be rejected as too broad, so add a city, zip, or name.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| zip | No | 5-digit ZIP code (e.g. '20010'). | |
| city | No | City name (e.g. 'Washington'). | |
| name | No | Facility name or fragment (e.g. 'Pepco', 'refinery'). | |
| limit | No | Maximum facilities to return (default 25, max 100). | |
| state | No | Two-letter state or territory code (e.g. 'DC', 'TX', 'CA'). | |
| active_only | No | If true, only return facilities flagged with active enforcement/compliance activity. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations exist, so the description carries full burden. It discloses that broad queries may be rejected and outlines the compliance snapshot returned. This adds behavioral context beyond what is in the schema, though it does not discuss rate limits or authentication.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is two front-loaded sentences. The first sentence conveys purpose and output; the second provides a crucial usage warning. No wasted words.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given 6 parameters, no required fields, no output schema, and no annotations, the description covers the tool's purpose, output, and a key constraint (avoid broad queries). It does not mention pagination or the limit parameter's behavior beyond the schema, but overall it is adequate.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100% with clear parameter descriptions. The description adds minimal extra semantics: it explains the need for at least one filter and the risk of broad queries. This is helpful but does not significantly enhance parameter understanding beyond the schema.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states it searches EPA-regulated facilities by various filters and returns Registry ID, address, and compliance status. It indirectly distinguishes from siblings by mentioning that Registry ID is needed for other EPA tools, but does not explicitly name alternatives.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
Provides clear usage context: 'Provide at least one filter' and warns that broad queries may be rejected. It does not explicitly state when not to use the tool or name alternative tools, but the guidance is sufficient for an AI agent.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
epa_water_or_air_violationsBInspect
Report a facility's air (Clean Air Act) or water (Clean Water Act / Safe Drinking Water Act) violations and the related compliance summaries. Set media to 'air', 'water', or 'all'. Requires an EPA Registry ID.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| media | No | Which media to report: 'air', 'water', or 'all' (default 'all'). | |
| registry_id | Yes | EPA Registry ID (FRS ID), the numeric facility identifier returned by epa_facility_search (e.g. '110001136271'). |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, and the description lacks behavioral details such as output format, pagination, or what constitutes 'compliance summaries.' It does not disclose if the tool performs destructive operations or has rate limits.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is concise with three short sentences, each carrying distinct information. It front-loads the main action and then provides parameter requirements. Could be slightly more structured but is efficient.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Without an output schema, the description should clarify what is returned. Mentioning 'violations and the related compliance summaries' is vague. The tool likely returns complex data, but no details on structure, examples, or interpretation are provided.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The input schema already describes both parameters with 100% coverage, including enum and example. The description adds minor context (e.g., 'Requires an EPA Registry ID') but does not significantly enhance understanding beyond the schema.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool reports air and water violations and compliance summaries for a facility, naming specific acts. It is distinct from siblings like epa_facility_compliance which may focus on compliance history, but does not explicitly differentiate.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description implies usage when you have an EPA Registry ID and want violations/compliance summaries, but does not provide explicit when-to-use or when-not-to-use guidance, nor mentions alternative tools.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
epss_scoreAInspect
FIRST EPSS exploit prediction score for a CVE. Returns probability (0-1) of exploitation in the next 30 days plus the percentile rank.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| cve_id | Yes | CVE identifier. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations exist, so description must disclose behavior. It states it returns a probability and percentile, implying a read-only query. However, it does not explicitly confirm it is non-destructive, which would improve transparency.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Single, clear sentence that efficiently conveys the tool's purpose and output. No unnecessary words; front-loaded with the key action ('FIRST EPSS exploit prediction score').
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
For a simple tool with one parameter and no output schema, the description fully covers what the tool does and what it returns. No additional context is necessary.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100%, with the parameter 'cve_id' described as 'CVE identifier.' The description adds no further meaning to the parameter, so baseline score of 3 is appropriate.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
Describes exactly what the tool does: retrieves the FIRST EPSS exploit prediction score for a given CVE, including probability and percentile rank. It is specific and distinguishes from sibling CVE tools like cve_lookup by focusing on the prediction score.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
No explicit guidance on when to use this tool vs alternatives. Usage is implied by the tool name and description, but no exclusions or prerequisites are provided.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
fbi_wantedAInspect
Search the FBI's public Wanted/fugitive list by name or keyword. Returns matching subjects with aliases, the responsible field offices, and a link. Complements sanctions screening for person due diligence. Keyless.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| limit | No | Max results (1-25, default 10). | |
| query | No | Name or keyword to search (optional; omit for the current featured list). |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations exist, so the description must carry the behavioral disclosure burden. It only states 'Keyless' and the return fields. It omits behavioral details like rate limits, pagination, error handling, or data freshness, leaving significant gaps.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Two concise sentences: first sentence covers core function and output; second adds contextual usage and a key trait ('Keyless'). Front-loaded, zero wasted words, and easy to parse.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the tool's simplicity and lack of annotations/output schema, the description is reasonably complete. It explains purpose, output, and keyless access. Minor omissions (pagination behavior, staleness) but adequate for a straightforward search tool.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Input schema has 100% coverage, so the schema already describes parameters well. The description adds value by listing the return fields ('subjects with aliases, the responsible field offices, and a link'), compensating for the missing output schema. This goes beyond what the schema provides.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the verb 'Search', the resource 'FBI's public Wanted/fugitive list', and provides specific output details like 'subjects with aliases, the responsible field offices, and a link'. This distinguishes it from sibling tools even without explicit differentiation.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description indicates usage context with 'Complements sanctions screening for person due diligence' and mentions 'Keyless', implying no API key needed. It does not explicitly state when not to use or list alternatives, but context is clear.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
fda_device_510kAInspect
FDA 510(k) clearances for medical devices. The 510(k) pathway is how most non-high-risk devices come to market in the US. Filter by manufacturer (applicant), device name, product code, or decision date range. Used for competitive intel, device R&D scouting, M&A research.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| limit | No | Maximum rows to return (default 25, max 100). | |
| query | No | Manufacturer (applicant) name or device name search term. | |
| end_date | No | Inclusive ISO date upper bound (YYYY-MM-DD). | |
| start_date | No | Inclusive ISO date lower bound (YYYY-MM-DD). | |
| product_code | No | Optional product code (e.g. 'DXJ' for ECG). |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description must disclose behavioral traits. It only states what the tool does, without mentioning security, rate limits, data freshness, or that it is read-only. The lack of such details limits an agent's ability to safely invoke the tool.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is three sentences long, front-loading the core purpose and then listing filters and use cases. Every sentence adds value, with no redundant or fluff content. It is well-structured and efficient.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the lack of output schema and annotations, the description covers the tool's purpose and parameters adequately but fails to describe the return format, pagination behavior, or any constraints beyond the schema. May leave agents uncertain about the output structure.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The input schema has 5 parameters with 100% description coverage, so the baseline is 3. The description reiterates the filter options (manufacturer, device name, product code, date range) but adds no significant detail beyond the schema's own parameter descriptions.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly identifies the tool as providing FDA 510(k) clearances for medical devices, explaining the regulatory pathway and specific filter criteria. It effectively distinguishes this tool from siblings like fda_device_recalls by focusing on 510(k) submissions rather than recalls.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description mentions use cases (competitive intel, R&D scouting, M&A research) and available filters, providing context for when to use. However, it does not specify when not to use this tool or explicitly contrast it with alternatives such as fda_device_recalls or other FDA data tools.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
fda_device_recallsBInspect
FDA medical device recalls. Filter by device name or recalling manufacturer, classification (Class 1 most severe), or date range. Used for medical device supply chain monitoring and hospital biomed compliance.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| limit | No | Maximum rows to return (default 25, max 100). | |
| query | No | Optional device name or recalling firm search term. | |
| end_date | No | Inclusive ISO date upper bound (YYYY-MM-DD). | |
| start_date | No | Inclusive ISO date lower bound (YYYY-MM-DD). | |
| classification | No | Recall classification: 1 (Class I, most severe), 2, 3. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, placing the burden on the description. It mentions filtering capabilities but lacks details on pagination, response format, data freshness, or any side effects. The description provides minimal behavioral insight beyond basic functionality.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is concise with two sentences, front-loading the subject and purpose. Every word contributes meaning without redundancy.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Despite a clear purpose, the description lacks details about the output (what the tool returns), which is critical given no output schema. Additionally, with no annotations, the description should cover more behavioral aspects, but it remains sparse.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The input schema has 100% parameter coverage with descriptions. The description reiterates the schema's information (e.g., device name/manufacturer, classification severity, date range) without adding new meaning or clarifying format constraints beyond what the schema provides.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly identifies the tool's purpose: retrieving FDA medical device recalls with filtering options. It specifies the resource (medical device recalls), actions (filtering), and use cases (supply chain monitoring, hospital compliance), effectively distinguishing it from sibling FDA recall tools for drugs and food.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description implies usage for medical device recall scenarios but does not explicitly state when to use this tool over alternatives. No exclusions or comparisons to sibling tools are provided, leaving the agent without clear guidance on tool selection.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
fda_drug_adverse_eventsAInspect
FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) reports for a specific drug. Each result describes a reported adverse reaction including patient demographics, reactions, outcome, and seriousness. Used for pharmacovigilance and post-market safety analysis.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| drug | Yes | Drug name (brand or generic) to query FAERS for. Example: 'Lipitor' or 'atorvastatin'. | |
| limit | No | Maximum rows to return (default 25, max 100). | |
| end_date | No | Inclusive ISO date upper bound (YYYY-MM-DD). | |
| reaction | No | Optional MedDRA-preferred-term reaction filter (e.g. 'headache', 'nausea', 'liver injury'). | |
| start_date | No | Inclusive ISO date lower bound (YYYY-MM-DD). | |
| serious_only | No | If true, only return serious adverse events (death, hospitalization, life-threatening, disability). |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description carries the full burden. It discloses returned data types but omits behavioral traits like rate limits, authorization requirements, pagination, or data freshness. Basic disclosure is present but insufficient for a production tool.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Two sentences front-load the core purpose, then detail results, then context. Every word earns its place; no fluff or repetition.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
With no output schema, the description explains result contents adequately. However, it lacks guidance on pagination, data recency, or how to handle large result sets. Minimal but sufficient for a simple query tool.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The input schema has 100% parameter description coverage, so the baseline is 3. The description adds no additional parameter meaning beyond 'specific drug' and the result fields, which are already implied by the schema.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool retrieves FAERS reports for a specific drug, listing result fields and use case. It distinguishes from siblings like fda_drug_lookup or fda_drug_recalls by focusing on adverse events.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description implies pharmacovigilance use but does not explicitly state when to use this tool vs alternatives or provide exclusions. Sibling tools are not referenced, leaving the agent to infer distinctions.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
fda_drug_lookupAInspect
Look up FDA drug label info by NDC code, brand name, or generic name. Returns indications, dosage, warnings, contraindications, mechanism, manufacturer, and DEA scheduling. Used for clinical decision support, pharmacy automation, drug-info chatbots.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| limit | No | Maximum rows to return (default 25, max 100). | |
| query | Yes | NDC code (e.g. '0002-1407'), brand name (e.g. 'Lipitor'), or generic name (e.g. 'atorvastatin'). |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations provided, so description carries full burden. It lists return fields but does not disclose behavioral traits such as rate limits, authentication requirements, or pagination behavior.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Two concise sentences: first states function and outputs, second adds use cases. No redundant information.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Description lists return fields but lacks details on response structure, error handling, or output format. Adequate for a lookup tool but not fully complete.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema covers both parameters with descriptions (100% coverage). Description adds no extra meaning beyond matching query types to schema. Baseline 3 is appropriate.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool looks up FDA drug label info by NDC, brand, or generic name, and lists specific return fields (indications, dosage, etc.). It distinguishes from siblings like fda_device_510k or fda_drug_adverse_events.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
Description mentions use cases (clinical decision support, pharmacy automation, drug-info chatbots) but does not provide explicit when-not-to-use instructions or compare to alternative tools.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
fda_drug_recallsBInspect
FDA drug enforcement actions (recalls). Filter by product name, recall classification (I=most severe, II, III), state, or date range. Useful for pharmacy compliance, supply chain monitoring, pharmacovigilance.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| limit | No | Maximum rows to return (default 25, max 100). | |
| query | No | Optional product description / generic name / brand name search term. | |
| state | No | Optional 2-letter state filter. | |
| end_date | No | Inclusive ISO date upper bound (YYYY-MM-DD). | |
| start_date | No | Inclusive ISO date lower bound (YYYY-MM-DD). | |
| classification | No | Recall severity: I (most severe), II, III. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are present, so the description carries full burden. It only states it is a filterable list of recalls. Lacks disclosure of behavioral traits such as data freshness, rate limits, pagination, or any side effects. For a read-only query tool, minimal info is provided.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Two sentences: first identifies the tool's purpose, second lists filters and use cases. Front-loaded and efficient, no redundant phrases. Could be slightly more structured but is appropriate for the complexity.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Fairly complete for a list retrieval tool with no output schema: explains what data it returns and available filters. However, it does not mention return fields, data source, update frequency, or constraints on filtering (e.g., classification enum meanings are partly explained).
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema descriptions cover 100% of parameters, so the description adds no new meaning beyond summarizing the filter options. The description restates 'product name, recall classification, state, or date range' which adds no depth to the schema's existing descriptions.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
Clearly states the tool returns FDA drug enforcement actions/recalls. It mentions filtering by product name, classification, state, and date range, which distinguishes it from siblings like fda_drug_adverse_events (different outcome) and fda_food_recalls (different domain). However, it could explicitly differentiate itself from related tools.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
Provides high-level use cases (pharmacy compliance, supply chain monitoring, pharmacovigilance) but does not give explicit when-to-use or when-not-to-use guidance relative to siblings. No alternative tool names are mentioned.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
fda_food_recallsAInspect
FDA food enforcement actions (food recalls). Filter by product description, recall classification, state, or date range. Used for retail food safety monitoring, supply chain compliance, restaurant management.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| limit | No | Maximum rows to return (default 25, max 100). | |
| query | No | Optional product description search term. | |
| state | No | Optional 2-letter state filter. | |
| end_date | No | Inclusive ISO date upper bound (YYYY-MM-DD). | |
| start_date | No | Inclusive ISO date lower bound (YYYY-MM-DD). | |
| classification | No | Recall severity: I (most severe), II, III. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations provided, so description carries full burden. It states recall data retrieval but does not disclose behavioral traits such as read-only nature, rate limits, pagination, or default sort order. Agent lacks clarity on side effects or constraints.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Two sentences, front-loaded with purpose. Every word serves a function. No redundancy or filler.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Six parameters and no output schema. Description does not explain return format, typical fields, pagination behavior, or maximum result set size beyond schema's 'max 100'. Agent lacks sufficient context to fully understand tool behavior.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100%, baseline 3. Description lists filter parameters (product description, classification, state, date range) but adds no additional meaning beyond schema for limit or start/end_date format. Acceptable but not enhanced.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
Clearly states verb (enforcement actions), resource (food recalls), and specific filters (product description, classification, state, date range). Differentiates from sibling FDA recall tools (device, drug) by specifying 'food'.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
Provides use cases (retail food safety monitoring, supply chain compliance, restaurant management) but does not explicitly say when not to use it or mention alternatives like fda_device_recalls or fda_drug_recalls.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
fdic_depositsAInspect
Branch-office deposit data from the FDIC Summary of Deposits (annual snapshot). Returns deposits per branch sorted by deposit volume, useful for measuring local-market banking concentration.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| city | No | City name | |
| limit | No | Max branches (default 25) | |
| state | No | Two-letter state code |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description must cover behavioral context. It mentions 'annual snapshot' and 'sorted by deposit volume', but lacks details on output format, pagination, or rate limits. The read-only nature is implied but not explicit.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is two sentences: source and data type, then return format and use case. It is concise but could be more structured by separating purpose, usage, and behavior.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the simple three-parameter schema and no output schema, the description adequately explains the tool's purpose, data source, and a primary use case. However, it omits details on output structure and whether the data is annual only.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100% with each parameter having a description. The tool description adds context about the data (deposits per branch sorted) but does not elaborate on how to use parameters effectively, such as the impact of limit or interaction between city and state.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states it provides 'Branch-office deposit data from the FDIC Summary of Deposits (annual snapshot)' and specifies it 'Returns deposits per branch sorted by deposit volume'. This distinguishes it from sibling FDIC tools (failures, financials, history, institutions, summary) by focusing on branch-level deposits.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description says 'useful for measuring local-market banking concentration', which implies a specific use case. However, it does not explicitly state when to use this tool over alternatives like fdic_financials or fdic_search_institutions.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
fdic_failuresAInspect
List FDIC bank failures. Filter by state and/or date range. Returns failure date, institution name, location, estimated cost, and resolution type. Sorted most-recent first. Use this for systemic-risk research, historical bank-stability analysis, or compliance work.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| limit | No | Max results (default 25) | |
| state | No | Two-letter state code | |
| offset | No | Pagination offset | |
| end_date | No | End date YYYY-MM-DD | |
| start_date | No | Start date YYYY-MM-DD |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations, so description bears full burden. Discloses output fields and sorting order (most-recent first). Could mention rate limits or data freshness but adequate.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Two concise sentences with no wasted words. Front-loaded key information.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
For a list tool with 5 optional params and no output schema, description covers output fields, sorting, and use cases. Missing output schema is compensated by listing fields in description.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage 100% with good descriptions. Description adds little beyond schema (e.g., 'default 25' already in schema). Baseline 3.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
Description clearly states 'List FDIC bank failures' with specific filters (state, date range) and output fields. Distinguishes from sibling tools like fdic_deposits or fdic_financials.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
Explicitly mentions use cases: systemic-risk research, historical bank-stability analysis, compliance work. Does not exclude alternatives but provides clear context.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
fdic_financialsAInspect
Get quarterly financial data for a specific bank by CERT number (FDIC Certificate Number). Returns recent quarters of assets, deposits, loans, capital ratios, income, and asset quality metrics. Most recent quarters first.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| cert | Yes | FDIC Certificate Number (get this from fdic_search_institutions) | |
| limit | No | Number of recent quarters (default 4) |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations provided; description mentions ordering (most recent first) and data types, but lacks details on mutation safety, rate limits, or authentication requirements.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Two sentences with no wasted words. First sentence states purpose, second lists data content and ordering. Front-loaded and efficient.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Description covers main output types and ordering, and schema covers all parameters. Lacks error handling details, but overall adequate for simple tool with no output schema.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100%; description adds value by noting cert's origin (from fdic_search_institutions) and default limit value, going beyond schema alone.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool retrieves quarterly financial data for a specific bank by CERT number, distinguishing it from sibling tools like fdic_search_institutions (search) and fdic_summary (aggregate).
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description implies usage (requires cert from fdic_search_institutions) but does not explicitly state when to use this tool versus alternatives or when not to use it.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
fdic_historyAInspect
Institution history events for a specific bank by CERT: mergers, acquisitions, name changes, charter conversions, failures. Returns most-recent first.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| cert | Yes | FDIC Certificate Number | |
| limit | No | Max events (default 25) |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations provided, so description carries full burden. It discloses sorting (most-recent first) but omits details like response structure, pagination, or error handling. Adequate for a simple query tool but leaves gaps.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Single sentence front-loaded with purpose, followed by event types and ordering. No wasted words, efficient for a simple tool.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given low complexity, no output schema, and no annotations, description covers core functionality and ordering. Missing pagination or error details, but adequate for the tool's scope.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100%, so baseline is 3. Description adds context for 'cert' (by CERT) and implies 'limit' controls max events, but these are already clear from parameter descriptions. No substantial added value beyond schema.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
Description uses specific verb ('returns') and resource ('institution history events'), lists event types (mergers, acquisitions, name changes, charter conversions, failures), and specifies ordering ('most-recent first'). This clearly differentiates from sibling FDIC tools (e.g., fdic_failures for only failures).
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
Description implies use when needing historical events for a specific bank identified by CERT. However, it does not explicitly state when not to use (e.g., for summary data) or mention alternatives like fdic_summary or fdic_search_institutions. Guideline is clear but lacks exclusions.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
fdic_search_institutionsAInspect
Search FDIC-insured banks and savings institutions by name, state, or city. Returns CERT number, name, location, total assets, deposits, net income, ROA, ROE, charter class. Use the CERT number for follow-up queries to fdic_financials or fdic_history.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| city | No | City name (exact) | |
| name | No | Institution name (partial match) | |
| limit | No | Max results (default 25) | |
| state | No | Two-letter state code (e.g. 'CA', 'TX') | |
| offset | No | Pagination offset (default 0) | |
| active_only | No | Only currently-active banks (default true) |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations exist, so description carries full burden. Discloses read operation and return fields, but does not explicitly state read-only nature or discuss permissions, rate limits, or side effects. Adequate but could be more explicit.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Two sentences, front-loaded with purpose, no wasted words. Efficiently communicates key info.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
No output schema, but description explains return values. With 6 optional params and clear purpose, the description is complete for an effective search tool.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Input schema covers all 6 parameters with descriptions (100% coverage). The description adds value by listing return fields (CERT, assets, deposits, etc.) beyond schema, helping understand parameter usage context.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states it searches FDIC-insured institutions by specific criteria (name, state, city) and lists returned fields. It also distinguishes from sibling tools like fdic_financials and fdic_history by mentioning CERT for follow-up.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
Provides clear guidance on using the CERT number for follow-up queries to fdic_financials or fdic_history. Lacks explicit when-not-to-use instructions but implies primary search role.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
fdic_summaryAInspect
Industry-level summary financials. Returns year-by-year aggregates across all FDIC-insured institutions, optionally filtered to a single state. Useful for macro banking-sector analysis.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| limit | No | Number of years (default 20) | |
| state | No | Two-letter state code (omit for national) |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description carries full burden. It discloses that the tool returns year-by-year aggregates and supports optional state filtering. However, it does not describe output format, year range, default behavior, or any side effects. For a read-only summary tool, this is minimally adequate but lacks detail.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Two sentences with no wasted words. The first sentence front-loads the core purpose, and the second adds the primary use case. Structure is optimal for quick comprehension.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
For a simple tool with 2 optional parameters and no output schema, the description covers the essential purpose and a use case. It lacks details like default year count (20) and specific output fields, but given low complexity, it is fairly complete.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100% (both parameters described). The description adds a bit of context (state filtering is optional) but does not significantly enhance understanding beyond the schema. Baseline of 3 is appropriate as the schema already documents parameter roles.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states it returns 'industry-level summary financials' as 'year-by-year aggregates' across all FDIC-insured institutions, with optional state filtering. The verb 'returns' and resource 'summary financials' are specific and distinguish it from other FDIC sibling tools like fdic_financials (institution-level) or fdic_deposits (deposit-specific).
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description indicates the tool is 'useful for macro banking-sector analysis,' providing a clear use case context. However, it does not explicitly state when not to use the tool or offer alternatives among the sibling FDIC tools (e.g., fdic_financials for institution-level data).
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
fec_candidate_detailsAInspect
Get full detail for a single federal candidate by FEC candidate_id (e.g. 'P80001571'). Includes office, party, status, election years, and mailing address. Use fec_candidate_search to find the candidate_id.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| candidate_id | Yes | FEC candidate ID (e.g. 'P80001571', 'S2MA00170'). |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description carries full burden. It clearly indicates a read operation with no side effects, listing included data fields. More detail on rate limits or authentication could improve, but it's sufficient for a simple lookup.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is two sentences, front-loaded with the main action, and every sentence adds value. No unnecessary words or redundancy.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the tool's low complexity (1 parameter, no output schema), the description is complete. It explains what the tool does, what it returns (with examples), and how to get the required input. No gaps are apparent.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The single parameter candidate_id is described in the input schema, and the description adds value by providing an example and explaining how to obtain it via fec_candidate_search. This goes beyond the schema's basic description.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool retrieves full details for a single federal candidate by FEC candidate_id, listing included fields (office, party, etc.) and providing an example. It distinguishes from the sibling tool fec_candidate_search by directing users to find the candidate_id there.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description explicitly tells users to use fec_candidate_search to obtain the candidate_id, providing clear prerequisite guidance. It does not explicitly state when not to use the tool, but the context of needing a candidate_id is implicit.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
fec_candidate_financialsAInspect
Get aggregate campaign finance totals for a candidate by FEC candidate_id, broken down by election cycle. Includes total receipts, disbursements, individual contributions, cash on hand, and debts. Filter to one cycle with the cycle parameter.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| cycle | No | Two-year election cycle (even year, e.g. 2024). Optional. | |
| limit | No | Maximum cycles to return (default 10, max 50). | |
| candidate_id | Yes | FEC candidate ID (e.g. 'S2MA00170'). |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description carries full burden. It states it's a 'get' operation for aggregate totals, which implies read-only, but does not disclose any additional behavioral traits (e.g., rate limits, authentication, side effects). The description only lists data fields, lacking depth beyond the obvious.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is two sentences, no unnecessary words, and front-loads the purpose. Every sentence adds value.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given no output schema, the description lists key data fields and mentions cycles. It lacks details on default behavior (e.g., all cycles if no cycle parameter) and result structure, but is complete enough for a simple aggregate tool with only 3 parameters and no nesting.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema description coverage is 100%, so baseline is 3. The description adds context by explaining the cycle parameter ('filter to one cycle'), but does not add significant new meaning beyond the schema descriptions. For limit, schema already provides default and max.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states what the tool does: 'Get aggregate campaign finance totals for a candidate by FEC candidate_id, broken down by election cycle.' It lists specific data fields (receipts, disbursements, etc.) and explicitly distinguishes from siblings like fec_candidate_details by focusing on aggregate totals per cycle.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description mentions 'Filter to one cycle with the cycle parameter' but does not explicitly compare to sibling FEC tools (e.g., when to use this vs. fec_candidate_details or fec_candidate_search). No prerequisites, when-not-to-use, or alternatives are provided.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
fec_candidate_searchAInspect
Search federal candidates (President, House, Senate) by name, state, office, or party using FEC data. Returns candidate IDs needed for the other FEC tools.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| cycle | No | Two-year election cycle (even year, e.g. 2024). Optional. | |
| limit | No | Maximum candidates to return (default 20, max 100). | |
| party | No | Party code (e.g. 'DEM', 'REP', 'IND', 'LIB'). Optional. | |
| query | No | Candidate name fragment (e.g. 'Warren', 'Smith'). Optional. | |
| state | No | Two-letter state code to filter by (e.g. 'MA', 'TX'). Optional. | |
| office | No | Office: 'P' (President), 'S' (Senate), or 'H' (House). Optional. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description carries the full burden. It states the tool searches and returns IDs, but does not disclose behavioral traits like pagination, rate limits, or data freshness. For a search tool, this is adequate but minimal.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Two sentences, front-loaded with the core action and purpose. Every word is useful; no waste.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the schema fully describes parameters and no output schema exists, the description adequately covers purpose and integration. It mentions returning IDs but does not mention pagination or limit behavior; still sufficient for a search tool.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The input schema has 100% description coverage, so parameters are well-defined. The description adds context by listing search criteria (name, state, office, party) and stating the output is IDs. This adds marginal value beyond the schema.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states it searches federal candidates (President, House, Senate) by name, state, office, or party using FEC data, and specifies that it returns candidate IDs needed for other FEC tools. This distinguishes it from sibling tools like fec_candidate_details or fec_committee_search.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description implies this tool is a prerequisite for other FEC tools by stating it returns candidate IDs needed for them. It does not explicitly state when not to use it, but the context of being a search/discovery tool is clear.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
fec_committee_searchAInspect
Search FEC-registered political committees (campaign committees, PACs, party committees, Super PACs) by name, state, or committee type. Returns committee IDs.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| cycle | No | Two-year election cycle (even year, e.g. 2024). Optional. | |
| limit | No | Maximum committees to return (default 20, max 100). | |
| query | No | Committee name fragment. Optional. | |
| state | No | Two-letter state code to filter by. Optional. | |
| committee_type | No | Committee type code: 'P' (President), 'S' (Senate), 'H' (House), 'N'/'Q' (PAC), 'O' (Super PAC), 'X'/'Y' (party). Optional. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description must carry behavioral transparency. It only mentions returning committee IDs but does not disclose pagination, rate limits, data freshness, or that it is a read-only operation. Minimal behavioral context.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is a single, efficient sentence that front-loads the core purpose. Every part is necessary; no wasted words.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
The description covers the basic purpose and output but lacks details on default behavior, edge cases (e.g., no filters), and does not compensate for the missing output schema. Adequate but not comprehensive.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100% with descriptions for all 5 parameters. The description adds no additional meaning beyond what the schema already provides, so baseline score of 3 is appropriate.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the verb 'search', the resource 'FEC-registered political committees', and lists search criteria (name, state, committee type) and output (committee IDs). It distinguishes from sibling tools like fec_candidate_search by focusing on committees.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description implies when to use (searching for committees) but does not explicitly state when not to use or provide alternative tools. Sibling names offer some implicit differentiation, but no direct guidance.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
fec_independent_expendituresAInspect
List independent expenditures (FEC Schedule E) supporting or opposing a candidate or made by a committee. Shows spender committee, amount, date, support/oppose, and description. Provide candidate_id or committee_id.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| cycle | No | Two-year election cycle (even year, e.g. 2024). Optional. | |
| limit | No | Maximum expenditures to return (default 20, max 100). | |
| candidate_id | No | FEC candidate ID the spending targets (e.g. 'P80001571'). Provide this or committee_id. | |
| committee_id | No | FEC committee ID of the spender (e.g. 'C00804856'). Provide this or candidate_id. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations, the description carries the transparency burden. It explains the tool lists expenditures and the output fields, but does not disclose pagination behavior, rate limits, or that it is read-only. It states the purpose but lacks depth on operational constraints.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Three concise sentences: first sentence states purpose, second enumerates output fields, third gives parameter instruction. No fluff, each sentence adds value.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the tool's complexity (4 parameters, no output schema, no annotations), the description is fairly complete but lacks explicit mention of return format (list vs single object) and how to handle result sets beyond the limit parameter. It covers core functionality but could be more thorough.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema description coverage is 100%, and the description adds key context: it clarifies the required mutual exclusivity of candidate_id and committee_id, provides example values, explains cycle as a two-year election year, and notes default/max limit. This adds meaningful guidance beyond the schema.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states it lists independent expenditures (FEC Schedule E), specifying the types (supporting/opposing candidate or by committee) and the fields returned (spender committee, amount, date, support/oppose, description). It distinguishes from sibling FEC tools like candidate details or committee search.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description indicates that candidate_id or committee_id should be provided, but does not explicitly guide when to use this tool versus alternatives like fec_candidate_financials. No when-not-to-use or explicit comparison to siblings.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
flood_zone_lookupBInspect
FEMA flood zone designation for an address or coordinate. Returns the zone code, plain-English risk, BFE if applicable, FIRM panel reference, and whether NFIP insurance is mandated for federally-backed mortgages.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| lat | No | ||
| lon | No | ||
| location | No | Address or zip to geocode. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations, the description should disclose behavioral traits but only lists return fields. Missing details on data freshness, rate limits, accuracy, or required permissions, which is a significant gap for a data lookup tool.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is a single efficient sentence listing outputs. While concise, it could be improved with bullet points for readability. No unnecessary words.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
For a lookup tool with no output schema and three parameters, the description covers purpose and outputs but omits parameter interaction rules, error cases, and data source details. Adequate but not thorough.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is low (33%): only 'location' has a description. The description does not clarify the relationship between lat/lon and location, or which parameters are preferred. No additional meaning beyond the schema is provided.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool returns FEMA flood zone designation for an address or coordinate, listing specific output fields (zone code, BFE, FIRM panel, insurance mandate). This distinguishes it from siblings like nfip_flood_claims and disaster-related tools.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description implies use for flood zone lookups but does not explicitly state when to use this tool versus alternatives (e.g., property_lookup). No when-not or situational guidance is provided.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
fmcsa_carrier_authorityBInspect
Check if a trucking company is legally authorized to operate and has valid insurance. Returns operating authority status (common, contract, broker - active/inactive/revoked), BIPD insurance, cargo insurance, bond/surety status, and whether they're allowed to haul freight. Use this for questions like 'can this carrier legally operate?', 'do they have insurance?', 'is this broker licensed?', 'verify carrier authority', 'check trucking company credentials', 'is this freight company legit?', or any carrier compliance check.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| dot_number | Yes |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description carries the full burden of behavioral disclosure. It indicates the tool returns status fields, but it does not disclose any side effects, error handling (e.g., invalid DOT number), data freshness, rate limits, or authentication requirements. This lack of detail limits transparency.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is a single paragraph that front-loads the core purpose. It includes a list of example questions, which is helpful but slightly verbose. No wasted sentences, but could be trimmed for brevity without losing clarity.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the simplicity of the tool (one parameter, no output schema, no annotations), the description covers the return fields and typical use cases. However, it lacks guidance on error handling, data format, or edge cases like expired authority. It is adequate but not fully comprehensive.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The single parameter 'dot_number' is straightforward, but the description does not describe it at all (schema coverage 0%). It could add context like 'USDOT number of the carrier' or format expectations. Since the schema alone is minimal, the description should compensate but does not.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool's purpose: checking legal authorization and insurance for trucking companies. It lists specific status fields and example questions, making the intent obvious. However, it does not explicitly differentiate from sibling tools like fmcsa_carrier_lookup, which may also provide basic carrier info, so it falls short of a 5.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description provides example questions that imply when to use the tool (e.g., 'can this carrier legally operate?', 'do they have insurance?'), which guides the user. But it does not explicitly state when not to use it or mention alternative tools for other needs like safety scores or detailed company info.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
fmcsa_carrier_compareAInspect
Compare 2 to 5 trucking companies side by side on safety, fleet size, insurance, and authority. Returns a comparison table: fleet size, driver count, safety rating, crash history, BASIC safety scores, authority status, insurance, and out-of-service rates. Use this for questions like 'which carrier is safer?', 'compare these trucking companies', 'which freight company should I use?', 'evaluate these carriers against each other', 'help me pick between these haulers', or any carrier vetting decision.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| dot_numbers | Yes | 2-5 USDOT numbers, as an array or comma-separated string. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description carries the full burden. It discloses what the tool returns (a comparison table with specific fields) but does not disclose any behavioral traits like data freshness, update frequency, or any potential side effects. The tool is clearly read-only, but more context would improve transparency.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is concise, with three sentences: first states the action and scope, second lists output fields, third gives example queries. It is front-loaded and every sentence adds value with no waste.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the tool's complexity (comparing 2-5 companies on multiple attributes), the description fully covers inputs (DOT numbers) and outputs (list of fields). No output schema exists, so the description effectively explains return values. Example queries further complete the context.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The input schema has 100% coverage with a description for the single parameter (dot_numbers), specifying 2-5 USDOT numbers as array or comma-separated string. The description adds no additional parameter information beyond this, so it meets the baseline without exceeding expectations.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool compares 2 to 5 trucking companies on safety, fleet size, insurance, and authority, distinguishing it from sibling tools like lookup or search. It provides specific examples of use cases, making the purpose explicit and differentiated.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description gives explicit examples of when to use the tool ('which carrier is safer?', 'compare these trucking companies'), but does not explicitly state when not to use it or mention alternatives. However, the context of sibling tools implies these alternatives, so the guidance is clear but not exhaustive.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
fmcsa_carrier_lookupAInspect
Look up a trucking company, freight carrier, or motor carrier by DOT number or MC number. Returns company name, address, phone, fleet size, number of drivers, safety rating, operating authority, insurance status (BIPD, cargo, bond), crash history, inspection rates, and out-of-service percentages. Use this for questions like 'is this carrier safe?', 'look up this trucking company', 'check this DOT number', 'verify this carrier', 'what's their safety rating?', or any freight carrier lookup. Covers all US carriers registered with FMCSA.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| mc_number | No | ||
| dot_number | No |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are present, so the description must convey behavior. It clearly states this is a lookup (read operation) and lists the types of data returned. There is no mention of destructive actions, authentication, or rate limits, but for a simple read tool this is sufficient.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is front-loaded with the main purpose and then lists many returned fields. While informative, it is somewhat verbose for the agent. Still, every sentence adds value.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the lack of output schema, the description fully explains what the tool returns and covers the necessary context for a lookup tool (carrier identification and data fields). The agent can correctly select this tool over siblings based on the description.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The input schema has 0% description coverage, so the description adds meaning by stating that lookups are performed 'by DOT number or MC number'. However, it does not clarify that only one should be provided or explain the difference between the two parameters.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description starts with a clear action verb 'Look up' and specifies the resource: a trucking company by DOT or MC number. It lists returned data fields, distinguishing it from sibling tools like fmcsa_carrier_search (which likely finds carriers by name) and fmcsa_carrier_compare (which compares multiple carriers).
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description provides example queries ('is this carrier safe?', 'look up this trucking company', etc.), telling the agent when to use it. It does not explicitly mention when not to use it or alternatives, but the context of sibling tools provides implicit guidance.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
fmcsa_carrier_searchAInspect
Search for trucking companies, freight carriers, or motor carriers by company name. Find any carrier's DOT number, MC number, location, fleet size, and operating status. Supports partial name matching. Use this for questions like 'find this trucking company', 'what's the DOT number for Werner?', 'search for freight carriers in Texas', 'look up this logistics company', or any carrier name search. Returns up to 50 matching carriers from the FMCSA national database.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| name | Yes |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations, the description carries the full burden. It discloses the search returns up to 50 matching carriers, the data fields included, and that it supports partial matching. No contradictions or omissions.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Four sentences, front-loaded with the action, efficient. Every sentence adds value, no unnecessary details.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the simple input schema and no output schema, the description adequately covers the tool's purpose, return fields, result limit, and example queries. Missing error handling but acceptable for a search tool.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The single parameter 'name' is described as 'company name' with support for partial matching, adding value beyond the schema (which only specifies length constraints). For a simple string param, this is sufficient.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool searches for trucking companies by name, returning DOT number, MC number, location, fleet size, and operating status. It distinguishes itself from sibling tools like fmcsa_carrier_lookup and fmcsa_safety_scores by being a general name-based search.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description provides explicit example queries (e.g., 'find this trucking company', 'what's the DOT number for Werner?') and notes partial name matching. It does not directly compare to siblings but implies the tool is for searching by name rather than specific lookups.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
fmcsa_safety_scoresAInspect
Get safety information for a trucking company by DOT number. Returns either CSA BASIC percentile scores (where FMCSA publishes them, rare per FAST Act 2015 restrictions) OR a public safety summary built from crash counts, fatal/injury crashes, driver/vehicle/hazmat out-of-service rates, and inspection volumes (always available). Use this for questions like 'is this carrier safe?', 'what's their safety record?', 'how many crashes?', 'should I hire this carrier?', 'check their inspection history', or any trucking safety evaluation. Higher BASIC percentiles = worse record. For OOS rates, lower is better; national averages provided for comparison.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| dot_number | Yes |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations provided, the description fully discloses behavioral traits: it explains that CSA BASIC scores are rare due to FAST Act restrictions, while a public safety summary is always available. It includes interpretation guidance (higher BASIC percentiles = worse; lower OOS rates better) and notes national averages are provided for comparison.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is front-loaded with the core action and includes helpful example questions, but it is somewhat lengthy. Every sentence adds value, though a slight trim could improve conciseness without losing clarity.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
For a tool with one parameter and no output schema or annotations, the description provides ample context: it explains the two possible return formats, their availability conditions, and interpretation hints. It covers all necessary information for an agent to understand and invoke the tool correctly.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The input schema has one parameter (dot_number) with no description (0% coverage). The description mentions 'by DOT number' but adds no additional meaning beyond the parameter name or constraints. Given low coverage, the description should compensate but fails to do so.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool retrieves safety information for a trucking company by DOT number, specifying two possible return types (CSA BASIC percentiles or a public safety summary) and providing example questions. This clearly distinguishes it from sibling tools like fmcsa_carrier_authority or fmcsa_carrier_compare.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description provides explicit use cases with example questions such as 'is this carrier safe?' and 'how many crashes?'. However, it does not contrast with sibling tools or explicitly state when not to use this tool, which would improve differentiation.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
fred_category_seriesAInspect
List the most popular FRED series in a category. Category IDs are numeric (e.g. 32991 = Interest Rates, 32263 = Money Stock, 9 = National Accounts). Use this to browse FRED structurally rather than via search.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| limit | No | Maximum rows to return (default 50 for observations, 25 for catalog queries). | |
| category_id | Yes | FRED category ID. See https://fred.stlouisfed.org/categories/ for the hierarchy. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description must disclose behavioral traits. It fails to mention that the tool is read-only, lacks details on pagination or what 'popular' means, and does not describe the return format or any rate limits. This is insufficient for complete transparency.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is three sentences, front-loaded with the primary function, followed by examples and usage guidance. Every sentence adds value without redundancy, making it concise and well-structured.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
For a simple tool with two parameters and no output schema, the description covers the core purpose and provides category examples and usage context. However, it omits the optional 'limit' parameter and does not hint at the output structure (e.g., series IDs, names, popularity score), leaving gaps in completeness.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100%, so the schema already documents both parameters. The description adds marginal value by giving example category IDs and the website link, but does not explain the 'limit' parameter or any constraints beyond what the schema states. Baseline 3 is appropriate.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool lists the most popular FRED series in a category, with a specific verb ('list'), resource ('popular FRED series'), and context. It distinguishes itself from sibling tools by promoting structural browsing over search, and provides concrete examples of category IDs.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description gives a clear usage directive: 'Use this to browse FRED structurally rather than via search,' implying it is preferred for category-based exploration. However, it does not explicitly state when not to use it or name alternatives like fred_search, leaving some ambiguity.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
fred_compareAInspect
Compare 2 to 5 FRED series side-by-side over the same date range. Returns observations for each series. Useful for ratio analysis (e.g. compare 10Y vs 2Y yield) or cross-series correlation.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| end | No | Inclusive upper-bound ISO date (YYYY-MM-DD). | |
| limit | No | Maximum rows to return (default 50 for observations, 25 for catalog queries). | |
| start | No | Inclusive lower-bound ISO date (YYYY-MM-DD). | |
| series_ids | Yes | 2 to 5 FRED series IDs. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations provided; the description states it returns observations for each series but lacks disclosure of limits, default behavior, or potential side effects.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Two concise sentences with no redundant information, front-loading the core purpose and use case.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Describes the return type (observations for each series) but lacks detail on output format or pagination, which is not compensated by an output schema.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100% with descriptions for each parameter; the description adds minimal extra meaning beyond reinforcing the series count constraint (2 to 5).
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description uses a specific verb ('compare') and resource ('FRED series'), and distinguishes from siblings like 'fred_observations' by emphasizing side-by-side comparison over the same date range.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
Explicitly suggests use cases like ratio analysis and cross-series correlation, but does not mention when not to use or list alternatives directly.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
fred_observationsBInspect
Get time-series observations for a FRED series ID. Workhorse query for any economic indicator. Optional date range, units transformation (lin, chg, pch, log, etc.), and frequency aggregation (m, q, a).
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| end | No | Inclusive upper-bound ISO date (YYYY-MM-DD). | |
| limit | No | Maximum rows to return (default 50 for observations, 25 for catalog queries). | |
| start | No | Inclusive lower-bound ISO date (YYYY-MM-DD). | |
| units | No | Units transformation: 'lin' (default), 'chg' (change), 'ch1' (change YoY), 'pch' (% change), 'pc1' (% change YoY), 'log', etc. | |
| frequency | No | Aggregate to a different frequency: 'd', 'w', 'bw', 'm', 'q', 'sa', 'a'. | |
| series_id | Yes | FRED series ID (e.g. 'GDP', 'UNRATE'). See https://fred.stlouisfed.org/ for the catalog. | |
| aggregation_method | No | Aggregation method when changing frequency: 'avg', 'sum', or 'eop' (end of period). |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description must disclose behavior. It describes a read operation ('Get time-series observations') and mentions optional transformations, but it does not explain error handling (e.g., invalid series_id), rate limits, or pagination behavior (despite a 'limit' parameter). The description is adequate but not comprehensive.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Two sentences with no wasted words. The purpose is front-loaded, and the optional features are succinctly listed. Every sentence adds value.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
The description does not address what the output looks like. There is no output schema, and the description omits mention of the return format (e.g., dates and values), pagination behavior, or the default result count. For a data retrieval tool, this is a significant gap.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema description coverage is 100%, so baseline is 3. The description adds context by summarizing optional features (units transformation, frequency aggregation) and listing example values, but it does not add significant meaning beyond what the schema already provides (e.g., each parameter's description in JSON Schema is already detailed).
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states 'Get time-series observations for a FRED series ID' with a specific verb and resource, and calls it 'Workhorse query for any economic indicator.' It distinguishes from siblings like fred_search or fred_series_info by implying it's the primary data retrieval tool, though it does not explicitly name alternatives.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description lists optional parameters (date range, units transformation, frequency aggregation) but provides no guidance on when to use this tool versus siblings such as fred_quick_indicator. It implies usage for any economic indicator but lacks explicit when-to-use or when-not-to-use advice.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
fred_quick_indicatorAInspect
Quick-access wrapper for the most-queried FRED indicators by friendly name. Avoids needing to memorize FRED series IDs. Valid indicators: unemployment_rate, fed_funds, fed_funds_target, cpi, core_cpi, gdp, real_gdp, ten_year_yield, two_year_yield, thirty_year_yield, thirty_year_mortgage, m2, industrial_production, retail_sales, nonfarm_payrolls, housing_starts, case_shiller, vix, wti, brent, natural_gas_henry_hub, dollar_index, consumer_sentiment, initial_claims, pce_inflation, recession_indicator.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| end | No | Inclusive upper-bound ISO date (YYYY-MM-DD). | |
| limit | No | Maximum rows to return (default 50 for observations, 25 for catalog queries). | |
| start | No | Inclusive lower-bound ISO date (YYYY-MM-DD). | |
| indicator | Yes | Friendly indicator name. See description for valid options. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description must disclose behavioral traits. It only states it is a 'quick-access wrapper' but does not mention side effects, permission needs, or data output characteristics.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is two sentences, front-loaded with purpose, and lists indicators efficiently. No wasted words.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given no annotations or output schema, the description explains the tool's purpose and valid indicators but does not clarify the output format or default behavior for parameters like start, end, and limit.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100%, so baseline is 3. The description adds value by listing the valid indicator names, which complements the enum in the schema and clarifies the friendly name concept.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states it is a 'Quick-access wrapper for the most-queried FRED indicators by friendly name' and lists all valid indicators. This distinguishes it from other FRED tools like fred_observations and fred_search.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description implies when to use this tool (for common indicators via friendly name) and avoids needing to memorize series IDs. It does not explicitly state alternatives but lists sibling tools that handle other use cases.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
fred_releasesAInspect
Browse FRED economic releases (e.g. Employment Situation, CPI, GDP). With upcoming_dates=true, returns the upcoming release calendar instead. Useful for knowing when fresh data is expected.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| limit | No | Maximum rows to return (default 50 for observations, 25 for catalog queries). | |
| release_id | No | Optional. If provided, return only that release's metadata. | |
| upcoming_dates | No | If true, return upcoming release date schedule instead of release metadata. Default false. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations, the description explains the two behavioral modes (browse releases vs. upcoming calendar) and the effect of upcoming_dates. It does not detail potential side effects, rate limits, or auth needs, but the read-only nature is implied by 'browse'.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Two concise sentences with front-loaded purpose and examples. No unnecessary words; every sentence adds value.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Although no output schema exists, the description clearly indicates what is returned (release metadata or upcoming calendar). It lacks detail on list formatting or pagination, but for a simple browse tool this is sufficient.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100%, so baseline is 3. The description adds no extra meaning beyond the schema descriptions for limit, release_id, and upcoming_dates. It mentions the alternate mode but that is already in the schema.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool browses FRED economic releases with concrete examples (Employment Situation, CPI, GDP) and distinguishes the two modes via the upcoming_dates parameter. This clearly differentiates it from sibling tools like fred_observations or fred_search.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description notes it is 'useful for knowing when fresh data is expected' and implies use for release metadata or calendars, but does not explicitly state when to avoid it or compare to alternatives. No exclusion criteria are given.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
fred_searchAInspect
Full-text search across FRED's 800,000+ economic series. Returns matching series IDs and titles ranked by popularity. Use when you don't know the exact series ID.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| limit | No | Maximum rows to return (default 50 for observations, 25 for catalog queries). | |
| tag_names | No | Optional semicolon-delimited tag filter (e.g. 'usa;monthly'). | |
| search_text | Yes | Free-text search query (e.g. 'unemployment Texas', 'natural gas price', 'corporate profit'). | |
| search_type | No | 'full_text' (default) or 'series_id'. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, placing full burden on the description. The description lacks information on rate limits, authentication, error handling, pagination, or what happens with no results. Basic behavioral transparency is missing.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is two sentences, front-loading the purpose and usage. It is efficient but might benefit from a bit more detail on output or parameter specifics without sacrificing brevity.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
For a search tool with no output schema, the description leaves gaps about output format, pagination, error responses, and return value details. Given the complexity of 4 parameters and no annotations, the description is incomplete.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100% with descriptions for all parameters. The description adds context about popularity ranking not present in the schema, but does not clarify parameter formats or constraints beyond what is in the schema.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool performs full-text search across FRED's 800,000+ economic series, returning series IDs and titles ranked by popularity. It effectively distinguishes from sibling tools like fred_series_info and fred_observations by specifying the use case.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description explicitly advises use when you don't know the exact series ID, implying alternative tools exist for known IDs. However, it does not list those alternatives or mention when not to use it, leaving some ambiguity.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
fred_series_infoAInspect
Get metadata for a FRED economic data series by ID. Returns title, units, frequency, seasonal adjustment, observation range, and notes. Useful for verifying a series exists and understanding its measurement before pulling observations.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| series_id | Yes | FRED series ID (e.g. 'GDP', 'UNRATE', 'CPIAUCSL', 'DGS10'). |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations, the description carries the full burden; it accurately describes a read-only metadata retrieval. Could mention potential rate limits or authentication requirements if any, but not necessary for a simple lookup.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Two efficient sentences: first states what it does, second explains its use case. No unnecessary words.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Lacks output schema but lists returned fields (title, units, frequency, etc.) explicitly. Adequate for a metadata-only tool.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100% with a clear description for 'series_id,' and the tool description adds little beyond restating 'by ID.' Baseline 3 is appropriate.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
Clearly states it retrieves metadata for a FRED series by ID, listing specific fields (title, units, etc.), and distinguishes from sibling 'fred_observations' by explicitly mentioning it's for use before pulling observations.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
Provides clear context with 'Useful for verifying a series exists and understanding its measurement before pulling observations,' but does not explicitly mention alternatives or when not to use.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
github_repoAInspect
Public GitHub repository stats: description, stars, forks, open issues, primary language, license, last push date, and archived status. Useful for assessing the health and maintenance of an open-source dependency. Keyless (60 req/hr unauthenticated).
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| repo | Yes | Repository as 'owner/repo', e.g. 'facebook/react'. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations exist, so the description carries the full burden. It discloses the key behavioral trait of rate limiting ('60 req/hr unauthenticated') and implies read-only access by listing stats. It does not mention any potential side effects or destructive actions, but for a read-only stats tool, this is adequate.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is extremely concise—two sentences with no wasted words. The first sentence clearly lists the output attributes, and the second provides usage context and auth/rate details. It is front-loaded and easy to parse.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the tool's simplicity (one required parameter, no nested objects, no output schema), the description provides sufficient context: what it returns, when to use it, and rate limits. No significant gaps remain for an AI agent to understand and invoke it correctly.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The schema covers the single parameter 'repo' with a clear description. The tool description repeats the same format example ('owner/repo'), adding no new semantic information. Since schema coverage is 100%, baseline 3 is appropriate.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states it retrieves GitHub repository stats with a specific list of attributes (stars, forks, etc.), and the tool name itself is unambiguous. It distinguishes itself from sibling package-registry tools (e.g., npm_package, pypi_package) by focusing on GitHub repos.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description explicitly states the tool is 'useful for assessing the health and maintenance of an open-source dependency,' providing clear usage context. It also mentions the keyless authentication and rate limit ('60 req/hr unauthenticated'), but does not explicitly contrast with alternatives or provide when-not-to-use guidance.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
hurricane_trackerAInspect
Currently-active hurricanes and tropical systems from NOAA NHC, with category, wind/pressure, current position, movement, and forecast cone link.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| basin | No | Optional basin filter: 'AL' (Atlantic), 'EP' (Eastern Pacific), 'CP' (Central Pacific). |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description must disclose behavioral traits. It implies a read-only query (fetching data), but does not explicitly state that it has no side effects or is non-destructive. A more explicit statement would improve transparency.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is a single sentence that efficiently conveys the tool's purpose and output contents. It is front-loaded with key information and contains no superfluous text.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given no output schema, the description fully explains what the tool returns (category, wind/pressure, position, movement, forecast link). Combined with a single optional parameter, the description is complete for an agent to understand the tool's functionality.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema description coverage is 100%, with the single optional 'basin' parameter already described in the schema. The description adds no additional meaning beyond stating it is an optional filter, so it meets the baseline but does not exceed it.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states it provides currently-active hurricanes and tropical systems from NOAA NHC, including specific data fields like category, wind/pressure, position, movement, and forecast link. This distinguishes it from all sibling tools, which cover unrelated domains.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description implies usage for querying current hurricane information. While it doesn't explicitly state when not to use it or mention alternatives, the context of sibling tools (all unrelated) makes it clear that this is the appropriate tool for tropical cyclone data.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
ip_reputationAInspect
Risk profile for an IP address: geolocation and network (ASN/ISP/org) plus two abuse signals - whether it is a known Tor exit node, and whether it appears on the abuse.ch Feodo botnet command-and-control blocklist. For fraud, abuse, and security screening. Keyless.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| ip | Yes | IPv4 or IPv6 address to screen. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description carries the full burden. It discloses the output components (geolocation, network, two abuse signals) and that it is keyless, but lacks information on rate limits, error handling, or what happens for invalid IPs. Adequate but not thorough.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is two sentences, concise and front-loaded with the main purpose. Every sentence adds value: the first defines the tool, the second states use cases and key fact. No wasted words.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
For a simple tool with one parameter and no output schema, the description covers the purpose, return content, and use case. It could mention privacy or ethical considerations, but overall it is sufficiently complete.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100% with one parameter 'ip' described as 'IPv4 or IPv6 address to screen.' The tool description adds context ('Risk profile for an IP address') but does not add significant meaning beyond the schema. Baseline of 3 is appropriate.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description specifies the tool returns a risk profile for an IP address, listing geolocation, network info, and two specific abuse signals (Tor exit node, Feodo botnet). This is a specific verb+resource with clear scope, and it naturally distinguishes from sibling tools like 'rdap_ip' which focuses on RDAP data.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description includes 'For fraud, abuse, and security screening' and notes 'Keyless' (no API key needed), indicating when to use the tool. However, it does not explicitly state when not to use it or compare to alternatives like 'rdap_ip' or 'sanctions_screen_entity'.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
kev_status_checkAInspect
Check whether a CVE is in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog. Returns date added, due date, ransomware association, and required action.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| cve_id | Yes | CVE identifier. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations, the description conveys the behavior (returns specific fields), but does not disclose any additional traits such as rate limits, authentication needs, or what happens on unsuccessful checks. It is adequate but lacks extra context.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Two sentences; front-loaded with the core purpose and efficient listing of return fields. No extraneous text.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given no output schema, the description helpfully lists the return fields (date added, due date, ransomware, required action). It is mostly complete for a simple check tool, though it lacks information on error responses or missing CVE handling.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100% with one parameter 'cve_id' described as 'CVE identifier.' The description adds no new meaning beyond the schema, so baseline 3 is appropriate.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool checks if a CVE is in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, specifying the resource (CVE) and action (check). It differentiates from siblings like cve_lookup by focusing on a specific catalog and listing distinct return fields.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
Usage is implied by the description (check CISA KEV status), but there is no explicit guidance on when to use vs. not use, or mention of alternatives among the many CVE-related siblings.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
lobbying_contributionsCInspect
Search LDA contribution reports (political contributions disclosed by lobbyists/registrants). Filter by year, registrant, or lobbyist name.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| page_size | No | Results per page (default 20). | |
| filing_year | No | Filing year, e.g. 2025. | |
| lobbyist_name | No | Lobbyist name, partial match. | |
| registrant_name | No | Registrant (firm) name, partial match. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations, the description must disclose behavioral traits. It only mentions search and filters, omitting details like data freshness, pagination behavior beyond the schema's page_size, rate limits, or result format. The burden is not fully met.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is a single sentence with no filler, front-loading the core search purpose and key filters. Every word contributes meaning.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the 4 parameters and no output schema, the description lacks context about what LDA is, the structure of contribution reports, or return values. It is too minimal for a user unfamiliar with the domain.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The input schema provides 100% coverage with descriptions for all parameters. The description simply reiterates the filter fields without adding new semantics, meeting the baseline but not exceeding it.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool searches LDA contribution reports with filters by year, registrant, or lobbyist name. However, it does not differentiate from sibling tools like lobbying_detail or lobbying_search, missing an opportunity to clarify its specific scope.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description lists filters but provides no guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives such as lobbying_search or lobbying_lobbyists. No explicit when-to-use or when-not-to-use advice is given.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
lobbying_detailAInspect
Get the full detail of one lobbying filing by its UUID (from lobbying_search results), including all lobbying activities, issues, covered officials contacted, and the lobbyists involved.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| filing_uuid | Yes | Filing UUID from lobbying_search results. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description carries full burden. It describes the return content but does not mention side effects, authentication, rate limits, or error conditions. It is adequate for a simple retrieval tool but lacks deeper behavioral disclosure.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
A single sentence that is front-loaded with the core purpose, includes specific details about the content, and has no extraneous information. Extremely efficient.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the tool's simplicity (single parameter, no output schema), the description adequately covers what the tool returns by listing key data categories. It could mention the output format (JSON) but is sufficient for an agent to understand the result.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema description coverage is 100%, so baseline is 3. The description adds value by confirming the UUID originates from lobbying_search, but this is already stated in the schema description. No new meaning beyond the schema.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the verb 'Get' and the resource 'full detail of one lobbying filing by its UUID', listing the included content (activities, issues, officials, lobbyists). It effectively distinguishes from sibling tools like lobbying_search (which returns summaries) and lobbying_lobbyists.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description explicitly says the UUID comes 'from lobbying_search results', indicating a prerequisite and a clear workflow. However, it does not explicitly state when not to use this tool or list alternatives, though the context is sufficient for correct usage.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
lobbying_lobbyistsAInspect
Search individual lobbyists by name (and optionally by their registrant firm). Returns lobbyist records with their associated firm.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| page | No | Page number for pagination. | |
| page_size | No | Results per page (default 20). | |
| lobbyist_name | No | Lobbyist name, partial match. | |
| registrant_name | No | Optional registrant (firm) name to scope the search. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Without annotations, the description carries full burden. It states the tool returns lobbyist records with associated firm, which is helpful, but does not disclose pagination behavior, read-only nature, or any rate limits. The behavior is generally safe, but not fully transparent.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is a single, front-loaded sentence with no wasted words. Every part is essential: verb, resource, and optional filter.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
For a simple search tool with 4 optional params and no output schema, the description adequately conveys purpose and result. Minor gap: no mention of pagination or default result size, but schema covers page parameters.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100% with each parameter described (e.g., 'Lobbyist name, partial match.'). The description mentions lobbyist_name and registrant_name but adds no meaning beyond the schema, so baseline score applies.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool searches for individual lobbyists by name and optionally by firm, distinguishing it from sibling tools like lobbying_registrants which focus on firms. The verb 'Search' and resource 'individual lobbyists' are specific.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description implies usage for searching lobbyists by name, but does not explicitly state when to use this tool over alternatives like lobbying_search or lobbying_registrants. No when-not-to-use guidance is provided.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
lobbying_registrantsAInspect
Search registered lobbying firms (registrants) by name. Returns registrant profile records.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| page_size | No | Results per page (default 20). | |
| registrant_name | No | Registrant (firm) name, partial match. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description bears full responsibility for behavioral disclosure. It only states the basic function and lacks information on side effects, permissions, rate limits, or whether the operation is read-only. The description adds minimal behavioral context beyond the schema.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is two concise sentences that front-load the tool's purpose and output. Every word contributes to clarity without redundancy or extraneous detail.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
For a simple search tool with two basic parameters and no output schema, the description covers the core functionality but omits details about output format, pagination behavior, or typical profile fields. It is minimally complete but could provide more context for first-time users.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema description coverage is 100%, so the baseline is 3. The description mentions searching 'by name', which corresponds to the registrant_name parameter, but this does not add meaning beyond the schema's existing description. No additional parameter semantics are provided.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the action ('search'), the resource ('registered lobbying firms (registrants) by name'), and the output ('Returns registrant profile records'). It distinguishes itself from sibling tools like lobbying_lobbyists (people) and lobbying_contributions (financial data) by focusing specifically on registrant firms.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description implies usage for searching registrants by name, but it does not explicitly state when to use this tool versus alternatives like lobbying_search, nor does it provide conditions for when not to use it. No exclusions or alternative tool references are given.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
lobbying_searchBInspect
Search U.S. federal lobbying disclosure filings (Senate LDA). Filter by year, filing type, registrant (lobbying firm), client (who hired them), or general issue code. Returns filings with the client, registrant, period, income/expenses, and lobbying issues. Pair with FEC and Congress tools to follow the money.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| page | No | Page number for pagination. | |
| page_size | No | Results per page (default 20, max 25). | |
| issue_code | No | General issue area code, e.g. 'ENG' (energy), 'TAX', 'HCR' (health). | |
| client_name | No | Client name (the entity that hired the lobbyist), partial match. | |
| filing_type | No | Filing type code, e.g. 'RR' (registration), 'Q1'-'Q4' (quarterly reports). | |
| filing_year | No | Filing year, e.g. 2025. | |
| registrant_name | No | Lobbying firm / registrant name (partial match). |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, and the description does not disclose any behavioral traits such as rate limits, authentication requirements, data freshness, or pagination behavior (though pagination parameters are in the schema). The description only covers functionality and returns.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Three sentences: first states purpose and filters, second states what is returned, third gives pairing advice. Every sentence is meaningful, no redundancy, well-structured.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
For a search tool with no output schema, the description adequately explains what the tool returns (client, registrant, period, income/expenses, lobbying issues). It also hints at integration with other tools. Missing details like pagination defaults are in the schema. The description is complete enough for an agent to use correctly.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The input schema has 100% parameter description coverage, so the baseline is 3. The description adds minimal additional context by rephrasing parameter purposes (e.g., 'registrant (lobbying firm)'), but does not provide syntax or format details beyond the schema.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states that the tool searches U.S. federal lobbying disclosure filings and lists the available filters. It distinguishes the tool from sibling tools like lobbying_detail or lobbying_lobbyists by specifying it searches filings with client/registrant info, but does not explicitly contrast with siblings.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description mentions pairing with FEC and Congress tools, suggesting complementary use, but does not provide explicit guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives like lobbying_search vs. lobbying_detail.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
local_searchAInspect
Find local businesses, restaurants, services, and places near any location. Returns name, type, address, phone, website, hours, cuisine, and distance. Use this for 'find restaurants near me', 'coffee shops in downtown Houston', 'gas stations near 60601', 'best pizza in Chicago', 'pharmacies nearby', 'hotels in Austin', 'find a mechanic', 'gyms near me', or any local business or place discovery question. Supports: restaurants, cafes, bars, gas stations, pharmacies, hospitals, doctors, dentists, gyms, hotels, grocery stores, banks, schools, parks, libraries, auto repair, salons, and more.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| query | Yes | What to find (e.g., 'restaurants', 'coffee', 'gas station') | |
| radius | No | Search radius in miles (default: 1.5) | |
| location | Yes | Where to search (city, zip, or address) |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Discloses returned fields (name, type, address, phone, website, hours, cuisine, distance) and implies read-only behavior with 'Find' and 'returns'. No annotations provided, so description carries full burden; it lacks disclosure of failure modes or rate limits but is sufficient for a read operation.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Front-loaded with purpose, followed by examples and supported types. While slightly verbose with the list of examples, each example adds value. No unnecessary repetition, but could be trimmed slightly.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Completely covers what the tool does, when to use, what it returns, and valid categories. No output schema, but return fields are listed explicitly. Adequate for standalone use given sibling diversity.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema description coverage is 100%, so description adds marginal value beyond examples of valid query values ('restaurants, cafes, bars...'). The radius default and location format are not clarified further than schema descriptions. Baseline 3 is appropriate.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
Description clearly states 'Find local businesses, restaurants, services, and places near any location' with specific examples, distinguishing it from specialized tools like air_quality or weather_current. The phrase 'any local business or place discovery question' explicitly marks its domain.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
Provides extensive examples of when to use ('find restaurants near me', 'coffee shops in downtown Houston'), establishing clear context. However, it does not mention when not to use or alternative tools for specialized searches like alt fuel stations (nrel_alt_fuel_stations) or weather.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
nfip_flood_claimsBInspect
National Flood Insurance Program claim history aggregated by zip, county, or state. Useful for insurance brokers and homebuyers assessing prior loss patterns.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| zip | No | Five-digit zip code. | |
| limit | No | Max rows (default 200). | |
| state | No | Two-letter state code. | |
| county | No | FEMA county code. | |
| end_year | No | Latest year of loss. | |
| start_year | No | Earliest year of loss. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations provided, so description carries full burden. It lacks disclosure of rate limits, authentication needs, data freshness, or what 'claim history' specifically includes. Brief description insufficient for behavioral context.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Two sentences, front-loaded with purpose, followed by use case. Concise and efficient, though could incorporate more value without significant length increase.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Tool has 6 optional parameters and no output schema. Description fails to explain default behavior (e.g., what if no params provided?), output format, or filtering logic. Incomplete for tool complexity.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema description coverage is 100%, so baseline of 3 applies. Description does not add additional meaning beyond schema; it mentions zip, county, state but no interaction details or constraints.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
Description clearly states 'claim history aggregated by zip, county, or state' and identifies target users. However, it does not explicitly differentiate from sibling tools like flood_zone_lookup.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
Implied usage context ('for insurance brokers and homebuyers assessing prior loss patterns') but no explicit when-to-use, when-not-to-use, or alternatives provided.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
nonprofit_detailsAInspect
Full IRS EO BMF record for one organization by EIN, with the coded fields (subsection, foundation status, deductibility, EO status, ruling date) decoded to human-readable labels. Includes address, NTEE code, and the most recent reported asset/income/revenue figures.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| ein | Yes | Employer Identification Number (EIN). Accepts 9 digits with or without a dash, e.g. "13-1837418" or "131837418". |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations provided, so description carries full burden. It discloses that coded fields are decoded and includes address, NTEE, financials, but does not mention data freshness, rate limits, or response format limitations.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Two concise sentences, front-loaded with the core purpose, then specifics. No wasted words.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
No output schema exists, but description lists key return fields (decoded fields, address, NTEE, financial figures). For a single-input record tool, this provides sufficient context, though a few more details on response structure would improve completeness.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100% (the ein parameter is well-described). The description reinforces that the tool uses EIN but adds no new parameter meaning beyond what schema provides. Baseline 3 is appropriate.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
Description clearly states it returns a full IRS EO BMF record for one organization by EIN, with decoded categorical fields. Among sibling tools like nonprofit_lookup_ein, nonprofit_search_location, and nonprofit_search_name, this one is uniquely identified by EIN input and decoded fields.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description implies use when a specific EIN is available. It distinguishes from siblings by EIN-based lookup vs. name/location searches, but does not explicitly state when not to use or list alternatives.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
nonprofit_lookup_einAInspect
Look up a US tax-exempt organization by exact EIN from the IRS Exempt Organizations Business Master File (~1.27M orgs). Returns name, address, IRC subsection, and current EO status. Use nonprofit_details for the fully decoded record.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| ein | Yes | Employer Identification Number (EIN). Accepts 9 digits with or without a dash, e.g. "13-1837418" or "131837418". |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Although no annotations are provided, the description clearly indicates this is a read-only lookup (no destructive behavior implied). It adds context about the dataset size (~1.27M orgs) and the exact source. It does not disclose rate limits or error handling, but for a simple lookup this is adequate.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description consists of two concise sentences. The first sentence introduces the purpose and source, the second lists outputs and points to the sibling tool. No unnecessary information, front-loaded with the key action.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given no output schema or annotations, the description provides sufficient context: the data source, dataset size, returned fields, and a pointer to the sibling for more detail. It lacks error case behavior but is otherwise complete for a lookup tool.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The input schema already fully describes the 'ein' parameter with formatting details and examples. The description does not add any additional meaning beyond stating 'exact EIN', so it does not exceed the baseline for 100% schema coverage.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool's purpose: look up a US tax-exempt organization by exact EIN from a specific dataset, and lists the returned fields (name, address, IRC subsection, EO status). It distinguishes itself from the sibling tool 'nonprofit_details' by noting that this tool returns basic data.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description explicitly mentions the alternative 'nonprofit_details' for a fully decoded record, guiding the agent when to use this tool vs. another. However, it does not elaborate on specific use cases or when not to use it beyond that.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
nonprofit_search_locationAInspect
Find tax-exempt organizations by location: city, state, and/or 5-digit ZIP. At least one filter is required. Useful for discovering charities, churches, and foundations in an area. Returns up to 100 organizations.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| zip | No | 5-digit ZIP code. | |
| city | No | City name (combine with state for best results). | |
| limit | No | Max results to return (default 20, max 100). | |
| state | No | 2-letter US state/territory code, e.g. "TX". |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations provided, the description carries the full burden. It mentions the max results (100) and the filter requirement but doesn't discuss read-only nature, rate limits, or other behavioral traits. For a search tool this is adequate but not rich.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Two sentences, front-loaded with the action, no unnecessary words. Every sentence adds value.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
For a simple location search tool with no output schema, the description covers purpose, required filters, max results, and use cases. It lacks pagination or sorting details, but overall it is sufficiently complete.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100% with descriptions for each parameter. The description adds only the requirement of at least one filter and the max result count, which are already implied by schema. Minimal added value beyond schema.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the action ('Find') and the resource ('tax-exempt organizations') with location filters (city, state, ZIP). This distinctly separates it from sibling tools like nonprofit_search_name or nonprofit_lookup_ein.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description specifies that at least one filter is required and suggests typical use cases ('discovering charities...'). It does not explicitly state when not to use it or mention alternatives, but the requirement is clear.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
nonprofit_search_nameAInspect
Fuzzy-search tax-exempt organizations by name, optionally filtered to a US state. Tolerant of word reordering and minor spelling differences. Returns ranked matches with EIN, location, and IRC subsection. Use the returned EIN with nonprofit_details or nonprofit_lookup_ein.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| name | Yes | Organization name or partial name to search for. | |
| limit | No | Max matches to return (default 10, max 50). | |
| state | No | Optional 2-letter US state/territory code to narrow results, e.g. "NY", "TX", "CA". |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Without annotations, description fully discloses fuzzy matching, tolerance for reordering/spelling differences, and ranked results with specific fields. Does not explicitly state read-only nature, but it's implied. Adds value beyond schema.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Three sentences, no unnecessary words. Front-loaded with purpose, efficient and clear.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given no output schema, description explains return fields (EIN, location, subsection) and links to downstream tools. Adequately covers behavior for a search tool with good sibling awareness.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100%. Description restates that state is optional and limit has default/max, but does not add new semantics beyond schema. Baseline 3 appropriate.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
Description clearly states it fuzzy-searches tax-exempt organizations by name with optional state filter. Distinguishes from sibling tools like nonprofit_search_location and nonprofit_details by specifying fuzzy matching and use of returned EIN.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
Explicitly directs to use returned EIN with nonprofit_details or nonprofit_lookup_ein, indicating when to switch to those tools. Could be improved by noting when to prefer location search, but clear enough.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
nonprofit_statusAInspect
Current exempt-organization status for one organization by EIN: whether the IRS recognition is active, revoked, or terminated, plus the decoded status label, contribution deductibility, and the ruling (recognition) date. Tells donors and grantmakers if an org is still in good standing.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| ein | Yes | Employer Identification Number (EIN). Accepts 9 digits with or without a dash, e.g. "13-1837418" or "131837418". |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations, the description details what the tool returns (status, label, deductibility, date). It is clear about the output but lacks information on potential error handling, data freshness, or side effects. Overall, it sufficiently discloses the tool's behavior for a straightforward lookup.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is two sentences: the first lists output components, the second identifies the user intent. No extraneous words, information front-loaded.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the lack of an output schema, the description adequately lists returned fields. It is complete for a simple tool but omits error cases or update frequency. Still, it provides enough context for an agent to understand usage.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100%, and the schema already thoroughly describes the 'ein' parameter. The description adds no extra semantics beyond what the schema provides, so it meets the baseline without additional value.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool retrieves the current exempt-organization status by EIN, listing specific fields (status, label, deductibility, ruling date). It also specifies the use case for donors and grantmakers. This differentiates it from sibling tools like nonprofit_details, which likely provide broader information.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description implicitly suggests use for checking IRS recognition status, but does not explicitly say when to use this tool over alternatives like nonprofit_details or nonprofit_lookup_ein. No exclusions or comparisons are provided.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
npi_lookupAInspect
Look up a single US healthcare provider by their 10-digit NPI (National Provider Identifier). Returns name, type, credential, primary specialty (taxonomy), practice location, and status. Keyless CMS data.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| npi | Yes | 10-digit NPI number. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
The description states it returns specific fields and is 'Keyless CMS data,' which is helpful. However, it does not disclose behavior like missing NPI handling, rate limits, or data recency. Since no annotations exist, the description carries the full burden.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Two sentences convey purpose and output efficiently. No redundancy or filler. The description is front-loaded with the core action.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
For a simple 1-parameter lookup tool with no output schema or annotations, the description covers input, output, and keyless access. Missing error handling details are minor, but it is largely complete.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The single parameter 'npi' is fully described in the schema as '10-digit NPI number.' The description adds 'US healthcare provider' context but does not significantly enhance semantic meaning beyond the schema, which has 100% coverage.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description explicitly states 'Look up a single US healthcare provider by their 10-digit NPI' with a clear verb-resource pair. It also lists returned fields, distinguishing it from sibling search tools like npi_search_provider or npi_search_organization.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description implies usage for a single, known NPI. It does not explicitly mention when not to use it or contrast with sibling tools, but 'single' and 'by their NPI' make the context clear.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
npi_search_organizationAInspect
Search healthcare organizations (hospitals, clinics, group practices, labs) by name. Requires organization_name; state and city optional.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| city | No | City to narrow results (optional). | |
| limit | No | Max results (1-50, default 10). | |
| state | No | Two-letter state code to narrow results (optional). | |
| organization_name | Yes | Organization name (required). |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations provided, so description carries full burden. Describes a read operation but omits behavioral details like pagination (limit parameter defined only in schema), result format, or any side effects. Minimal value beyond schema.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Single, clear sentence that immediately conveys purpose and requirements. No wasted words; front-loads critical information.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
With 4 parameters, no output schema, and no annotations, the description should provide more context on pagination, default limit, or response structure. It covers only basic requirements and leaves significant gaps.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema description coverage is 100%, so baseline is 3. Description redundantly notes that organization_name is required and state/city are optional, which is already in the schema. Adds no new semantic meaning.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description uses a specific verb ('Search') and identifies the resource as 'healthcare organizations (hospitals, clinics, group practices, labs)'. It clearly distinguishes from siblings like npi_search_provider and npi_lookup by specifying organization-level entities.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
States required parameter (organization_name) and optional ones (state, city). Implicitly tells when to use vs. provider/specialty searches, but does not explicitly exclude other tools or mention when not to use.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
npi_search_providerAInspect
Search individual US healthcare providers by name. Requires a last_name (first_name, state, city optional). Returns NPI, specialty, location for each match.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| city | No | City to narrow results (optional). | |
| limit | No | Max results (1-50, default 10). | |
| state | No | Two-letter state code to narrow results (optional). | |
| last_name | Yes | Provider last name (required). | |
| first_name | No | Provider first name (optional). |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description carries the full burden. It states the return fields (NPI, specialty, location) but does not disclose other behavioral traits like rate limits, pagination, or error handling. This is adequate but lacks depth.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Two sentences, front-loaded with purpose. Every sentence adds value with no fluff. Highly concise and structured.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
For a simple search tool with 5 parameters and no output schema, the description covers the essential: purpose, required/optional params, return fields. It could mention more about result details but is mostly complete.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100%, so the description's contribution is limited. It repeats that last_name is required and lists optional params, but it adds context about return values. This meets the baseline but does not significantly enhance parameter meaning.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states 'Search individual US healthcare providers by name' which gives a specific verb and resource. It distinguishes from sibling 'npi_search_organization' and 'npi_lookup' by specifying 'individual' and 'by name'.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description specifies required parameter (last_name) and mentions optional ones, providing clear usage context. However, it does not explicitly state when not to use this tool or mention alternative sibling tools.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
npi_search_specialtyAInspect
Find healthcare providers by specialty (taxonomy description) in a location. Requires taxonomy (e.g. 'Cardiology', 'Pediatrics', 'Nurse Practitioner'); state and city optional but recommended.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| city | No | City to narrow results (optional). | |
| limit | No | Max results (1-50, default 10). | |
| state | No | Two-letter state code to narrow results (optional). | |
| taxonomy | Yes | Specialty / taxonomy description, e.g. 'Cardiology'. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description must convey behavioral traits. It adequately indicates this is a read operation ('Find'), but it does not disclose potential pagination, rate limits, or the structure of the response (e.g., returning a list of providers). The description is minimal and relies on the user's expectations of a search tool.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is a single, well-structured sentence that immediately states the tool's purpose, required parameters, and optional parameters. No unnecessary words or redundant information.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
The tool has no output schema, so the description carries the burden of explaining return values. It mentions 'healthcare providers' but does not clarify if the result is a list, what fields are included, or how pagination works. For a simple search tool, this is adequate but incomplete.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The input schema already describes all parameters with 100% coverage. The description adds examples (e.g., 'Cardiology', 'Pediatrics') and a recommendation for state and city, but does not significantly enhance the semantic understanding beyond what the schema provides. Baseline score of 3 is appropriate.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the action ('Find healthcare providers'), the resource ('by specialty'), and the context ('in a location'). It distinguishes from sibling tools (npi_lookup, npi_search_organization, npi_search_provider) by specifying the unique filtering dimension (taxonomy description).
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description specifies the required parameter (taxonomy) and recommends optional ones (state, city), providing clear usage context. However, it does not explicitly mention when not to use this tool or suggest alternatives among sibling tools.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
npm_packageAInspect
Look up an npm (Node.js) package: latest version, description, license, repository, last publish date, deprecation status, and last-month download count. Pair with cve_search_by_keyword to check for known vulnerabilities. Keyless.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| name | Yes | npm package name, e.g. 'express' or '@scope/pkg'. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations provided, so description carries full burden. Discloses 'Keyless' (no auth) and lists returned data. Does not mention error behavior or rate limits, but covers essential behavioral traits.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Two sentences, front-loaded with key information. Every sentence adds value: first lists data fields, second suggests pairing. No waste.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given single parameter, no output schema, description lists all return fields and suggests complementary tool. Complete for a simple lookup tool.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema covers 100% of parameter documentation with description. Description adds example values ('express', '@scope/pkg'), but no additional semantic value beyond schema. Baseline 3.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
Clearly states it looks up an npm package and enumerates specific data fields: version, description, license, repository, last publish date, deprecation status, and download count. Distinguishes from sibling tools like pypi_package and cargo_crate.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
Implied usage: for npm package information. Suggests pairing with cve_search_by_keyword. Lacks explicit when-not-to-use or alternative tools, but context is clear.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
nrel_alt_fuel_station_detailAInspect
Detailed info for a single alternative fuel station by station ID. Get the ID from nrel_alt_fuel_stations results.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| station_id | Yes | Station ID from the alt-fuel stations dataset. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations provided; description only says 'detailed info' without detailing what is returned, auth needs, or limits. Fails to disclose behavioral traits beyond being a fetch.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Two concise sentences: first defines purpose, second gives usage hint. No redundancy, front-loaded with key action.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Adequate for a simple single-param tool, but lacks detail on what the response includes (e.g., fields returned). Could be more informative for agent decision-making.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema covers parameter fully; description adds value by telling agent where to obtain the station_id, complementing the schema's description.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
Specifies verb 'detailed info', resource 'single alternative fuel station', and method 'by station ID'. Clearly distinguishes from sibling nrel_alt_fuel_stations by indicating the ID source.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
Explicitly states prerequisite: 'Get the ID from nrel_alt_fuel_stations results.' Provides clear context for when to use, though no alternative guidance needed for a simple detail tool.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
nrel_alt_fuel_stationsAInspect
Find alternative fuel stations near a location: electric (EV) charging, CNG, LNG, E85, hydrogen, propane, biodiesel. Used by route planning agents, fleet operators, and EV/clean-fuel tech.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| lat | No | Latitude. Use with lon as alternative to location. | |
| lon | No | Longitude. Use with lat as alternative to location. | |
| limit | No | Max stations to return (default 25, max 200). | |
| state | No | Optional 2-letter state code filter. | |
| radius | No | Search radius in miles (default 5, max 500). | |
| status | No | Optional status filter: E (available, default), P (planned), T (temporarily unavailable). | |
| location | No | Address or city/state. Either location OR lat+lon required. | |
| fuel_type | No | Comma-separated fuel types: ELEC (default), CNG, LNG, E85, HY, LPG, BD. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description must fully convey behavioral traits. It does not mention that the operation is read-only, idempotent, or any constraints like rate limits or required authentication. The description only restates the schema purpose without adding behavioral context.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Two sentences, front-loaded with the core purpose, followed by a contextual audience note. No redundant or irrelevant information; every sentence earns its place.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
No output schema exists, so the description should provide some insight into return values or pagination. It does not mention output format, default behavior, or error handling. However, it covers the essential purpose and fuel types adequately for a simple search tool.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100%, providing clear descriptions for all 8 parameters. The description adds minimal extra meaning beyond listing fuel types, which is already in the schema. Baseline 3 is appropriate as description offers no significant semantic addition.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the verb 'Find' and the resource 'alternative fuel stations near a location', and lists the supported fuel types. This sufficiently distinguishes it from the sibling tool 'nrel_alt_fuel_station_detail' which is likely for individual station details.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
No explicit guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives like the detail tool or other fuel-related tools. However, the description mentions typical users (route planning agents, fleet operators), implying context, but no exclusions or comparative advice.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
nrel_pvwattsAInspect
Estimate solar PV system production using NREL's PVWatts v8 model. Returns annual and monthly AC energy output (kWh), solar resource (kWh/m²/day), and capacity factor. Used by solar developers, homeowners, and ESG analysts to size and estimate solar arrays.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| lat | No | Latitude in decimal degrees. Use with lon as alternative to address. | |
| lon | No | Longitude in decimal degrees. Use with lat as alternative to address. | |
| tilt | No | Array tilt angle in degrees (default 20). | |
| losses | No | Total system losses percent (default 14). | |
| address | No | Street address, city/state, or place name. Either address OR lat+lon required. | |
| azimuth | No | Array azimuth in degrees (default 180 = south for northern hemisphere). | |
| array_type | No | 0=fixed open rack, 1=fixed roof (default), 2=1-axis tracking, 3=1-axis backtracking, 4=2-axis tracking. | |
| module_type | No | 0=standard (default), 1=premium, 2=thin film. | |
| system_capacity | Yes | System size in kilowatts DC (e.g. 5 for a 5 kW residential system). |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations provided, the description carries the full burden of behavioral disclosure. It specifies the model (PVWatts v8) and output metrics (annual/monthly AC energy in kWh, solar resource in kWh/m²/day, capacity factor), giving a good sense of what the tool calculates. It does not discuss rate limits, permissions, or error handling, but for a read-only estimation tool, the provided detail is adequate.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is extremely concise: three sentences totaling about 45 words. It front-loads the primary action ('Estimate solar PV system production'), then lists outputs and use cases. No superfluous information – every sentence earns its place.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Despite lacking an output schema, the description explains the return values (annual/monthly AC energy, solar resource, capacity factor) sufficiently for an agent to understand the tool's output. It covers purpose, use cases, and key parameters. It does not detail the exact JSON structure or potential limitations (e.g., geographic constraints), but for a moderate-complexity tool with 9 parameters, the description is largely complete.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Input schema documentation covers 100% of parameters with descriptions, default values, and constraints (e.g., lat/lon vs address). The tool description adds no additional parameter meaning beyond what the schema already provides, so a baseline score of 3 is appropriate.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the specific verb 'estimate solar PV system production' using NREL's PVWatts v8 model, and lists returned outputs (annual/monthly AC energy, solar resource, capacity factor). This distinguishes it from sibling nrel_solar_resource, which likely provides raw solar resource data without system modeling.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description identifies target users and use cases ('solar developers, homeowners, and ESG analysts to size and estimate solar arrays'), giving clear context for when to use the tool. However, it does not explicitly state when not to use it (e.g., if only raw solar resource data is needed, consider nrel_solar_resource), missing a minor exclusion.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
nrel_solar_resourceAInspect
Annual and monthly solar resource data (Direct Normal Irradiance, Global Horizontal Irradiance, Latitude-Tilt Irradiance) for a location. Useful for site evaluation before sizing a solar system.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| lat | No | Latitude in decimal degrees. Use with lon as alternative to address. | |
| lon | No | Longitude in decimal degrees. Use with lat as alternative to address. | |
| address | No | Street address, city/state, or place name. Either address OR lat+lon required. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided. The description indicates a read-only data retrieval tool but does not disclose rate limits, data sources, or other behavioral traits beyond the basic function.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is two sentences, front-loaded with the key purpose, and contains no redundant or unnecessary words.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
With no output schema, the description adequately explains the return values (three irradiance types, annual and monthly). For a simple query tool, this is complete.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Input schema coverage is 100% with descriptions for each parameter. The description adds no additional meaning beyond the schema, such as coordinate formats or address examples.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool retrieves 'Annual and monthly solar resource data' with specific irradiance types. It distinguishes from sibling tools like nrel_pvwatts (system sizing) and nrel_alt_fuel_stations.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description mentions 'useful for site evaluation before sizing a solar system,' providing a clear use case. However, it does not explicitly state when not to use or compare to alternatives like nrel_pvwatts.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
nrel_utility_ratesAInspect
Average residential, commercial, and industrial electric utility rates (cents per kWh) for a location, plus the utility name. Used for ROI analysis on solar, EV charging, building electrification.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| lat | No | Latitude in decimal degrees. Use with lon as alternative to address. | |
| lon | No | Longitude in decimal degrees. Use with lat as alternative to address. | |
| address | No | Street address, city/state, or place name. Either address OR lat+lon required. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description alone must convey behavioral traits. It fails to mention data freshness, geographic coverage, rate update frequency, error handling (e.g., location not found), authentication, or rate limits. The description only states what the tool returns, not how it behaves.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description consists of two clear, concise sentences. The first sentence defines the output, and the second explains the use case. No unnecessary words or repetition.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given no output schema and no annotations, the description adequately explains the tool's purpose and use case. However, it lacks details on output structure (e.g., separate rates for each sector?) and geographic coverage (e.g., US only?). It is sufficient for basic understanding but not fully complete for complex decision-making.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The input schema has 100% description coverage, so the schema already describes parameters (lat, lon, address). The description adds that rates are in cents per kWh and that utility name is included in output, which provides minimal extra semantic value beyond the schema.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states it returns average residential, commercial, and industrial electric utility rates in cents per kWh for a location, plus the utility name. It also specifies usage for ROI analysis on solar, EV charging, and building electrification, which differentiates it from sibling tools like nrel_solar_resource or nrel_pvwatts.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description explicitly mentions use cases ('Used for ROI analysis on solar, EV charging, building electrification'), providing clear context for when to use this tool. However, it does not explicitly state when not to use it or name alternative tools, though the sibling context implies differentiation.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
nws_active_alertsAInspect
Currently-active National Weather Service alerts (tornado, flood, severe thunderstorm, winter, heat, fire) for a point, state, or NWS zone.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| lat | No | ||
| lon | No | ||
| zone | No | NWS zone id, e.g. 'TXZ123'. | |
| state | No | Two-letter state code (e.g. 'TX'). | |
| location | No | Address, zip, or city. Will be geocoded to a point. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations provided, so the description must disclose behavioral traits. It only mentions 'currently-active' but lacks details on data freshness, rate limits, or behavior when no alerts exist. Minimal transparency.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Single, concise sentence that front-loads the key action and resource. No wasted words; every part adds value.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
No output schema exists, yet the description does not explain the return format or content of alerts. It covers input options but leaves gaps about output structure and pagination.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The description adds that lat/lon define a point and that zone and state are alternative inputs, but does not elaborate on the location parameter beyond schema. With 60% schema coverage, it adds some context but not significantly more than the schema.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool retrieves currently-active National Weather Service alerts for specific input types (point, state, zone), listing example alert types. It is specific and distinguishes from siblings like weather_current and weather_forecast.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description implies use for active alerts but does not explicitly state when to use this tool versus alternatives or provide exclusions. Given sibling tools, the context is somewhat implicit but insufficient.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
open_payments_by_companyAInspect
Pre-aggregated payment summary grouped by reporting company across all years. Returns total dollars and payment count per manufacturer/GPO. Use this to rank companies by their pharma-influence spend.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| limit | No | Number of companies (default 20, max 50) |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description must fully disclose behavioral traits. It states it's pre-aggregated and returns total dollars and payment count, but lacks details about rate limits, data scope (e.g., what years are covered), or any other behavioral considerations. This is insufficient for a tool with no annotations.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is two sentences long, with the first sentence front-loading the core function and the second providing a concrete use case. Every word serves a purpose, resulting in an efficient and clear description.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the tool has only one parameter and no output schema, the description is fairly complete. It explains what the tool returns (total dollars and payment count per manufacturer/GPO) and its purpose. Minor improvement could be adding explicit mention of the output structure, but it's sufficient for this low-complexity tool.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The schema coverage is 100%, with the only parameter 'limit' well-documented in the schema. The description does not add any additional semantic value beyond what the schema provides, so a baseline score of 3 is appropriate.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool returns a pre-aggregated payment summary grouped by company, with total dollars and payment count per manufacturer/GPO. It explicitly mentions the use case of ranking companies by pharma-influence spend, which distinguishes it from sibling tools like open_payments_by_specialty.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description provides a specific use case: 'Use this to rank companies by their pharma-influence spend.' This gives clear guidance on when to use it. It does not explicitly mention when not to use or list alternatives, but the context of sibling tools makes it implicit.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
open_payments_by_specialtyAInspect
Payment totals grouped by medical specialty. Reveals which specialties receive the most pharma money: orthopedic surgeons, cardiologists, psychiatrists, etc.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| limit | No | Max specialties (default 50) |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations provided, so the description carries full burden. It states the output is grouped totals but does not disclose data source (e.g., CMS Open Payments), update frequency, or whether the tool is read-only. The mutability and permissions are implied but not explicit.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is two sentences, front-loaded with the core purpose. Every word contributes: verb (grouped), resource (payment totals by specialty), and illustrative examples. No redundancy.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
The tool is simple (one optional param, no output schema). The description explains the grouping and provides examples, which is largely sufficient. It lacks return format details (e.g., sorted by total) but is otherwise complete for a list aggregation tool.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The only parameter (limit) is fully described in the schema. The tool description does not add additional semantic meaning beyond what the schema provides. With 100% schema coverage, baseline 3 is appropriate.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool returns payment totals grouped by medical specialty, with explicit examples (orthopedic surgeons, cardiologists, psychiatrists). It distinguishes from siblings like open_payments_by_company or open_payments_national_summary by focusing on specialties.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description implies usage for seeing which specialties receive the most pharma money, but does not specify when to use this tool vs alternatives (e.g., open_payments_top or open_payments_search). No exclusions or prerequisites mentioned.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
open_payments_national_summaryAInspect
National-level Open Payments totals and averages across all years. Shows how much money flows from pharma to doctors nationally, broken down by payment-nature category.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
No parameters | |||
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided; the description mentions 'across all years' but does not specify data freshness, update frequency, or any limitations. For a parameterless tool, the description is adequate but could be more transparent about temporal scope or output expectations.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Two sentences: first states the tool's general function, second adds detail about breakdown by payment-nature category. No unnecessary words, front-loaded with key information.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given no parameters and no output schema, the description adequately explains what the tool returns (totals and averages, nationally, broken by category). It could clarify if totals are cumulative or per-year, but the information is sufficient for basic understanding.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
There are zero parameters, so schema coverage is 100% trivially. The description adds no parameter info because none exists. Baseline of 4 is appropriate for no-parameter tools.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
Description clearly states the tool provides national-level totals and averages of Open Payments data across all years, broken down by payment-nature category. It distinguishes from sibling tools (e.g., by company, specialty, state) by focusing on the aggregate national view.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description implies usage for overall national trends but lacks explicit guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives like open_payments_by_company or open_payments_state_totals. No 'when not to use' or alternative recommendations are provided.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
open_payments_ownershipBInspect
Search Open Payments OWNERSHIP / investment-interest data -- doctors with equity stakes in pharma/device companies. The deepest disclosure category and the strongest conflict-of-interest signal.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| year | No | Program year (auto-discovers latest if omitted, e.g. '2024') | |
| limit | No | Max rows (default 20, max 100) | |
| state | No | Two-letter state code (e.g. 'CA', 'TX') | |
| doctor | No | Doctor last name (case-insensitive) | |
| company | No | Manufacturer/GPO name (partial match), e.g. 'Pfizer', 'Stryker', 'Johnson & Johnson' | |
| specialty | No | Medical specialty (partial), e.g. 'Cardiology', 'Orthopaedic' |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations provided, the description carries full burden for behavioral transparency. It does not disclose authentication requirements, rate limits, data freshness, or whether the operation is read-only. Merely stating 'search' is insufficient for a tool with zero annotation coverage.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is concise and front-loaded, using two brief sentences. However, it could be slightly more structured, e.g., by separating purpose from usage notes. No wasted words.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Despite good parameter schema coverage, the description lacks completeness: no output schema, no pagination details, no mention of result format, and no guidance on how to interpret ownership vs other Open Payments data. For a search tool with 6 parameters and zero annotations, more context is needed.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
All 6 parameters are fully described in the schema (100% coverage). The description does not add extra semantic meaning beyond the schema, so baseline 3 is appropriate.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool searches for ownership/investment interest data, specifying doctors with equity stakes, and calls it the deepest disclosure category and strongest conflict-of-interest signal. This distinguishes it from sibling Open Payments tools like general search or company-level queries.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
No explicit guidance on when to use this tool vs alternatives. It describes what it does but does not mention when not to use it or provide alternative tool recommendations, which is important given many Open Payments sibling tools.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
open_payments_researchAInspect
Search Open Payments RESEARCH payments -- clinical research grants and study funding from pharma/device companies to doctors. Separate dataset from general payments.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| year | No | Program year (auto-discovers latest if omitted, e.g. '2024') | |
| limit | No | Max rows (default 20, max 100) | |
| state | No | Two-letter state code (e.g. 'CA', 'TX') | |
| doctor | No | Doctor last name (case-insensitive) | |
| company | No | Manufacturer/GPO name (partial match), e.g. 'Pfizer', 'Stryker', 'Johnson & Johnson' | |
| specialty | No | Medical specialty (partial), e.g. 'Cardiology', 'Orthopaedic' |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description carries full burden. It lacks disclosure of authentication needs, rate limits, or any potential side effects, offering only the dataset context.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Extremely concise with two front-loaded sentences, no wasted words, and the key differentiator (separate from general) is immediately clear.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
For a read-only search tool with 6 optional parameters, the description is adequate but lacks information about return format, pagination, or any specifics beyond dataset kind. With no output schema, more context would help.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The schema has 100% description coverage, so parameters are already well-documented. The description adds minimal extra meaning, only broadly categorizing the dataset.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states it searches Open Payments RESEARCH payments for clinical research grants and study funding, and explicitly distinguishes it from general payments, which helps differentiate from sibling tools like open_payments_search.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description indicates this is for research payments only, contrasting with general payments, but does not explicitly name alternative tools for general payments or provide when/when-not guidance beyond the dataset differentiation.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
open_payments_searchAInspect
Search CMS Open Payments general payments (Sunshine Act) -- pharmaceutical/device company payments to doctors and teaching hospitals. Filter by company, doctor surname, state, specialty, and year. Returns payment amount, type (food/travel/consulting/gift/royalty), drug/device name, and recipient details. 15M+ records per year.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| year | No | Program year (auto-discovers latest if omitted, e.g. '2024') | |
| limit | No | Max rows (default 20, max 100) | |
| state | No | Two-letter state code (e.g. 'CA', 'TX') | |
| doctor | No | Doctor last name (case-insensitive) | |
| company | No | Manufacturer/GPO name (partial match), e.g. 'Pfizer', 'Stryker', 'Johnson & Johnson' | |
| specialty | No | Medical specialty (partial), e.g. 'Cardiology', 'Orthopaedic' |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description must carry the full burden. It mentions the large dataset size (15M+ records per year) but does not disclose behavioral traits such as read-only nature, rate limits, or potential response time implications. The description is functional but lacks depth on behavioral context.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is two sentences that efficiently convey purpose, filters, and return data. No unnecessary words, and the structure is front-loaded with the tool's core function.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Without an output schema, the description compensates by listing return fields (payment amount, type, drug/device name, recipient details). It also mentions record volume. However, it could explicitly mention default/max limit and pagination behavior for completeness.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100% with all 6 parameters described. The description adds value by clarifying that 'year' auto-discovers latest if omitted, and that 'company' and 'specialty' support partial matching. This goes beyond the schema descriptions, but most parameters are adequately documented in both.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states it searches CMS Open Payments general payments (Sunshine Act), lists specific filters (company, doctor surname, state, specialty, year), and details returned data (payment amount, type, drug/device name, recipient details). It stands out from sibling tools that are more specific (e.g., open_payments_by_company).
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description implies this is the general search tool by listing filters, and the presence of many specific sibling tools (e.g., open_payments_by_specialty) suggests this is the broadest option. However, it does not explicitly state when to use this tool versus alternatives or when not to use it.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
open_payments_state_totalsBInspect
State-level Open Payments totals. Returns payment totals and average per recipient per state. Useful for state-level pharma-influence research.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| limit | No | Max states (default 60) |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description carries full burden for behavioral disclosure. The description states that it returns totals and averages but does not disclose any constraints (e.g., data timeframe, coverage, rate limits). For a data retrieval tool, more transparency about data sources and limitations would be beneficial.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is two concise sentences with no wasted words. It is front-loaded with the core purpose and ends with a practical use case. Every sentence contributes value.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the tool's simplicity (one optional parameter, no output schema), the description adequately covers what the tool returns and its typical use case. It might benefit from mentioning that it is a read operation, but it is not missing critical information for an agent to use it effectively.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema description coverage is 100% for the single 'limit' parameter. The description does not add any additional meaning beyond the schema. Baseline of 3 is appropriate since the schema already clearly explains the parameter's purpose.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool's function: returning state-level Open Payments totals and averages per recipient per state. It uses a specific verb ('returns') and resource ('state-level Open Payments totals'). However, it does not explicitly distinguish itself from sibling Open Payments tools like open_payments_by_company or open_payments_national_summary, which also aggregate data.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description provides a use case ('useful for state-level pharma-influence research') but lacks explicit guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives. No contraindications or when-not-to-use scenarios are mentioned, nor is there reference to other Open Payments tools that might be more suitable for different aggregations.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
open_payments_topAInspect
Same filters as open_payments_search but sorted by payment amount descending. Use this to find the LARGEST individual pharma payments by company, state, or specialty.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| year | No | Program year (auto-discovers latest if omitted, e.g. '2024') | |
| limit | No | Max rows (default 20, max 100) | |
| state | No | Two-letter state code (e.g. 'CA', 'TX') | |
| doctor | No | Doctor last name (case-insensitive) | |
| company | No | Manufacturer/GPO name (partial match), e.g. 'Pfizer', 'Stryker', 'Johnson & Johnson' | |
| specialty | No | Medical specialty (partial), e.g. 'Cardiology', 'Orthopaedic' |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description carries full burden. It discloses the sorting behavior and states that it uses the same filters as another tool. This is adequate for a simple query tool, but additional details like response format or pagination would improve transparency.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is extremely concise: two sentences with no wasted words. The key differentiator (sorting by payment amount descending) is front-loaded, and the use case is immediately clear.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the tool's simplicity (6 optional parameters, no output schema) and the richness of the schema descriptions, the description is complete. It covers purpose, usage scenario, and relationship to sibling tool. No gaps for agent invocation.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
With 100% schema coverage, each parameter already has a clear description. The tool description adds no additional semantic information beyond stating 'same filters as open_payments_search'. The baseline of 3 is appropriate.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool's function: same filters as open_payments_search but sorted by payment amount descending. This verb+resource combination distinguishes it from its sibling tool open_payments_search, earning top marks.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description explicitly advises when to use this tool: 'Use this to find the LARGEST individual pharma payments by company, state, or specialty.' It implies that for other queries (e.g., without sorting), one should use open_payments_search. A clear use case is provided, but no explicit when-not-to-use guidance is given.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
options_chainAInspect
Get the options chain for a stock - calls and puts with strike prices, bid/ask spread, volume, open interest, implied volatility, and available expirations. Use this for "show me AAPL options", "what are the puts on Tesla?", "options expiring this Friday", "what's the implied volatility?", or any options trading question.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| type | No | Filter by option type (default: "both") | |
| symbol | Yes | Stock ticker symbol (e.g., "AAPL") | |
| expiration | No | Expiration date in YYYY-MM-DD format. Defaults to nearest expiration. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided. The description does not disclose any behavioral traits such as data freshness, authentication needs, rate limits, or whether the operation is read-only. For a retrieval tool, it is minimal but acceptable, yet lacks explicit safety cues.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Two sentences: the first defines purpose and data, the second provides usage examples. Front-loaded and no wasted words.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given 3 parameters and no output schema, the description covers the returned data fields and typical use cases well. However, it omits details like pagination, sorting, or limits, which are not critical for basic use.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Input schema has 100% description coverage for its 3 parameters (symbol, type, expiration). The description adds value by listing returned data fields but does not provide additional parameter-level semantics beyond the schema.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
Clearly states the tool retrieves options chain data for a stock, listing specific data fields (strike prices, bid/ask, volume, open interest, implied volatility, expirations) and providing example queries that differentiate it from siblings like stock_quote.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
Description includes concrete usage examples ('show me AAPL options', 'what are the puts on Tesla?') indicating when to use the tool, but does not explicitly mention when not to use or alternative tools.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
package_trackAInspect
Track a package or shipment by tracking number. Auto-detects carrier (USPS, UPS, FedEx, DHL, Amazon). Returns delivery status, current location, estimated delivery date, and tracking history. Use this for 'where is my package?', 'track this shipment', 'when will my order arrive?', 'check delivery status', 'is my package delivered?', or any package tracking question. Just paste the tracking number - the carrier is detected automatically.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| tracking_number | Yes | Package tracking number from any carrier |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations provided, the description carries the full burden. It discloses that the tool auto-detects carriers and returns delivery status, current location, estimated delivery date, and tracking history. It does not mention error handling (e.g., invalid tracking numbers), rate limits, or authentication, which is acceptable for a simple tracking tool but could be more thorough.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is highly concise: three sentences front-loading the purpose, followed by examples. Every phrase adds value, such as listing supported carriers and return fields. No wasted words.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given no output schema, the description adequately explains return values (delivery status, location, estimated date, history). For a single-parameter tool with no nested objects, this is sufficient for an agent to understand the tool's capabilities and invoke it correctly.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The input schema already has 100% description coverage for the single parameter ('tracking_number'). The description adds context about auto-detection and usage examples but does not significantly enhance the meaning beyond the schema. Baseline 3 is appropriate.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool's action ('Track a package or shipment by tracking number'), identifies the resource (tracking number), and lists specific use cases like 'where is my package?', effectively distinguishing it from all 70+ sibling tools, none of which are for package tracking.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description explicitly states when to use the tool ('for any package tracking question') and provides concrete example queries. It also notes that carrier detection is automatic. However, it does not mention when not to use it or refer to any alternative tools, though none are relevant.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
paper_detailsAInspect
Get full catalog metadata for a single scholarly work by OpenAlex id (e.g. 'W2741809807') or DOI (e.g. '10.1038/nature12373'). Returns title, authors, venue, year, citation count, open-access status, and a free full-text URL when available. For a bare arXiv id, use paper_get_text with paper_key 'arxiv:' to read indexed text, or paper_search by title for OpenAlex metadata.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| id | Yes | OpenAlex id ('W...') or DOI ('10.x/...'). For arXiv ids, use paper_get_text or paper_search instead. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Without annotations, the description carries the full burden. It discloses the returned data fields and notes that a free full-text URL is provided 'when available.' It implies a read-only operation, but does not explicitly state read-only behavior or potential error conditions. A small gap for an otherwise transparent description.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is extremely concise: two sentences that front-load the purpose and follow with specific return fields and alternatives. Every sentence adds essential information without redundancy.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the simplicity of the tool (single parameter, no output schema), the description is complete. It explains the inputs, outputs, and alternatives. No further information is necessary for an agent to invoke it correctly.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The input schema already covers the single parameter 'id' with description. The description adds value by providing concrete examples and clarifying that arXiv IDs are not supported, reinforcing the schema's guidance. This additional context helps the agent construct valid inputs.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states that the tool retrieves full catalog metadata for a single scholarly work using OpenAlex ID or DOI. It lists specific return fields and distinguishes from sibling tools like paper_get_text and paper_search by providing usage guidance for arXiv IDs.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description explicitly states when to use this tool (for OpenAlex ID or DOI) and when not to use it (for bare arXiv ID). It provides clear alternative tool names and usage patterns, guiding the agent to select the correct tool.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
paper_fulltext_searchAInspect
Search INSIDE the indexed open-access corpus (arXiv + PubMed Central OA full text) for a phrase or keywords and get back the matching passages, each with the paper title, authors, and a snippet around the match. This is the headline feature: agents can find where a finding or method is discussed across open-access papers. Optionally restrict to one paper by paper_key.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| limit | No | Maximum passages to return (default 10, max 50). | |
| query | Yes | Phrase or keywords to find inside the papers, e.g. 'scaled dot-product attention', 'gradient checkpointing'. | |
| paper_key | No | Optional: restrict the search to a single indexed paper by its corpus key, e.g. 'arxiv:2310.12345'. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations, the description carries the full burden. It discloses the return format (matching passages with title, authors, snippet), the indexed nature of the corpus, and the scope (open-access full text). It does not conflict with annotations (none provided). Adds value beyond schema by explaining the output structure.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is concise (two sentences) and well-structured. The first sentence states the core functionality; the second emphasizes its importance. No redundant or unnecessary information.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given no output schema, the description explains return format (passages with title, authors, snippet) and corpus scope. It covers essential aspects like optional restriction. Missing minor details like search syntax or snippet length, but overall complete for a search tool.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100%, so baseline is 3. The description mostly repeats schema descriptions for query, limit, and paper_key, adding only the phrase 'e.g.' examples. It does not provide additional semantic meaning beyond what the schema already offers.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool's function: 'Search INSIDE the indexed open-access corpus... for a phrase or keywords and get back the matching passages'. It specifies the corpus (arXiv + PubMed Central OA full text) and distinguishes from sibling tools like paper_search (metadata search) by emphasizing full-text search. The phrase 'headline feature' reinforces its unique value.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description indicates when to use the tool: to find where a finding or method is discussed across open-access papers. It mentions optional restriction to a single paper via paper_key. However, it does not explicitly state when not to use it or provide direct alternatives, though the sibling context implies differentiation from metadata search tools.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
paper_get_textAInspect
Return the full text of an indexed open-access paper by its corpus key (e.g. 'arxiv:2310.12345'), paginated by passage. Use from_seq + max_passages to page through it. For works not indexed locally, returns a pointer to find the open-access URL via paper_search / paper_details.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| from_seq | No | Passage index to start from (0-based, default 0). | |
| paper_key | Yes | Corpus key of an indexed paper, e.g. 'arxiv:2310.12345' or 'pmc:PMC1234567'. | |
| max_passages | No | Maximum passages to return per call (default 40, max 200). |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations provided, the description carries full burden. It discloses pagination behavior and the pointer response for non-indexed papers. It does not mention any destructive actions or rate limits, which is acceptable for a read operation. A slightly higher score would require more details on response format or performance, but it is adequate.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description consists of two concise sentences with no redundant information. It is front-loaded with the core purpose and immediately provides usage guidance. Every sentence adds value.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given three parameters, no output schema, and no annotations, the description adequately covers the tool's behavior: returns paginated full text or a pointer. It also references sibling tools for alternative workflows, making it contextually complete.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100%, providing descriptions for all parameters. The description adds context about pagination and corpus key format, but this does not significantly enhance understanding beyond what the schema already provides. Baseline 3 is appropriate.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool's purpose: returning full text of an indexed open-access paper by corpus key. It provides an example key format and distinguishes itself from siblings like paper_search and paper_details by focusing on retrieving text rather than metadata or search results.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description explicitly tells when to use (when full text is needed) and what to do for non-indexed papers (use paper_search or paper_details to find open-access URL). This provides clear guidance on alternatives and when not to use this tool.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
paper_searchAInspect
Search ~250M scholarly works (papers, preprints, datasets) live via OpenAlex by keyword across title, abstract, and full text, with optional author, year, and open-access-only filters. Ranked by relevance. Returns each work's OpenAlex id, DOI, title, authors, venue, year, citation count, and a free full-text URL when open access. Use paper_fulltext_search to search inside the locally indexed open-access corpus.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| year | No | Optional exact publication year, e.g. 2023. | |
| limit | No | Maximum rows to return (default 25, max 100). | |
| query | No | Keywords across title/abstract/fulltext, e.g. 'attention mechanism transformers', 'CRISPR off-target'. | |
| author | No | Optional author-name fragment, e.g. 'Hinton', 'Doudna'. | |
| open_access_only | No | If true, only return open-access works (default false). |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
The description explains that the search is live, ranked by relevance, and returns specific fields including a free full-text URL when available. It does not mention rate limits or latency, but given no annotations, it provides reasonable transparency.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is two sentences long, front-loaded with the core purpose and capabilities. It is concise with no redundant information.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
The description covers return fields and mentions ranking. However, it lacks details on pagination or handling large result sets. For a search tool without output schema, it is mostly complete.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
All 5 parameters have schema descriptions (100% coverage). The description adds examples for query and clarifies that author is a name fragment, year is exact, etc. This adds value beyond the schema.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool searches ~250M scholarly works via OpenAlex by keyword, with optional filters. It distinguishes itself from the sibling 'paper_fulltext_search' which searches a local indexed corpus.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
It explicitly mentions the alternative 'paper_fulltext_search' for searching inside the locally indexed open-access corpus, guiding the agent to choose the appropriate tool. However, it does not explicitly state when not to use this tool.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
paper_statusAInspect
Report the scholarly store status: the catalog is served live via OpenAlex (~250M works), plus the local D1 indexed-corpus counts (papers with full text indexed, total indexed passages, per-source breakdown, last refresh timestamp).
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
No parameters | |||
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations, the description adequately discloses behavior: it is a read-only report pulling live data from OpenAlex and local D1 counts. It lists returned fields (total indexed passages, per-source breakdown, last refresh timestamp). No contradictions or omissions in behavioral context.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is a single, well-structured sentence that front-loads the purpose and efficiently details the output. No extraneous words or redundant information.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the simplicity (no parameters, no output schema), the description covers the essential return values and data sources. It could optionally mention output format (JSON), but the current text is sufficient for a status report.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
No parameters exist, meeting the baseline of 4 for zero-parameter tools. The schema coverage is 100% (trivially), and the description does not need to add parameter details.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool reports the scholarly store status, specifying the live OpenAlex catalog and local D1 indexed corpus counts. It distinguishes itself from sibling tools like paper_search or paper_details by focusing on system status rather than individual paper queries.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description implies usage for checking system health and data sources, but it does not explicitly state when to use this tool versus alternatives like paper_search or book_status. No 'when not to use' or exclusion criteria are provided.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
parcel_coverageAInspect
List which states/counties the parcel tools currently cover and how many parcels each holds. Coverage grows by state over time.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
No parameters | |||
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations provided, so description carries full burden. It notes coverage grows over time, indicating dynamic data. It's adequate for a read-only listing tool, though could mention it's non-destructive.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Single sentence with no wasted words. Front-loaded with key action and output. Every word earns its place.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given no parameters and no output schema, the description fully explains what the tool does and its dynamic nature. Nothing missing for its simple purpose.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Input schema has no parameters (100% coverage). Description adds meaning about output (states/counties, parcel counts), which is sufficient for a parameterless tool.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool lists which states/counties the parcel tools cover and how many parcels each holds. It uses specific verb 'list' and resource 'coverage', distinguishing it from sibling tools like parcel_details or parcel_search.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description implies usage when understanding available parcel data, but does not explicitly state when not to use or mention alternatives. Given the simplicity, this is adequate.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
parcel_detailsAInspect
Get the full record for one parcel by its account id: address, current assessed value (total, land, improvement), land use, zoning, year built, structure square footage, lot size, coordinates, and most recent sale. Valuation and characteristics only, no owner name.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| state | No | 2-letter state code. Coverage: 'MD' (Maryland statewide) or 'TX' (Harris County / Houston only). Defaults to MD. | |
| account_id | Yes | Parcel account id (from parcel_search). |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations exist, so the description must carry the burden. It discloses that only valuation and characteristics are returned (no owner name), which is helpful. However, it does not mention error behavior, authorization needs, or idempotency, missing some transparency.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is a single, well-structured sentence. It front-loads the purpose, lists key return fields, and notes an exclusion. No wasted words – every part adds value.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the simple nature (2 params, no output schema), the description provides a comprehensive overview of return fields (address, assessed value, land use, etc.) and constraints (no owner name). This is sufficient for an agent to understand what data to expect.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Input schema covers all 2 parameters (100% coverage). The description adds minimal extra meaning: account_id is noted as coming from parcel_search. Baseline is 3, and the addition is slight, so score remains 3.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool retrieves the full record for one parcel by account ID, listing specific fields (address, assessed value, etc.) and noting what is excluded (owner name). This specific verb+resource distinguishes it from sibling tools like parcel_search and parcel_sales_history.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description implies usage after obtaining an account_id from parcel_search, providing context. However, it lacks explicit when-not-to-use guidance or comparisons with siblings like parcel_sales_history or parcel_coverage.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
parcel_sales_historyAInspect
Get the recorded sale history (price + date, no party names) for one parcel by account id. Useful for valuation, appreciation, and comp analysis.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| state | No | 2-letter state code. Coverage: 'MD' (Maryland statewide) or 'TX' (Harris County / Houston only). Defaults to MD. | |
| account_id | Yes | Parcel account id (from parcel_search). |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description must carry the full burden. It does disclose that names are excluded ('no party names'), which is useful. However, it does not mention any behavioral traits such as data freshness, error handling, authentication requirements, or rate limits. The description adds some context but leaves gaps.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is two sentences with no wasted words. It front-loads the main action and follows with purpose. Every sentence adds value, and the structure is clear and efficient.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the low complexity (2 parameters, no output schema, no annotations), the description is fairly complete. It states what is returned (price+date, no names) and the use cases. However, it could be improved by mentioning potential error conditions or the time range of data. Still, it is adequate for the tool's simplicity.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100% with detailed descriptions for both parameters. The description adds little beyond the schema: it simply references 'by account id' which matches the required parameter. It does not provide additional context for the state parameter or clarify usage further. Baseline 3 is appropriate.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the verb 'Get', the resource 'recorded sale history', and the scope 'for one parcel by account id'. It distinguishes from siblings by explicitly noting that it returns only price and date, no party names, and gives use cases (valuation, appreciation, comp analysis). This is specific and differentiates it from other parcel tools.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description provides clear context for when to use the tool (valuation, appreciation, comp analysis), implying it is for analyzing sale history rather than full parcel details. However, it does not explicitly state when not to use it or mention alternative tools (e.g., parcel_details for more data). The guidance is adequate but not exhaustive.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
parcel_searchAInspect
Search property parcels by street address and get assessed value, land use, and most recent sale for each match. Coverage: Maryland statewide (all 24 jurisdictions, includes sale prices) and Harris County, TX / Houston (appraised value only, no sale prices since Texas is a non-disclosure state). Returns valuation and characteristics only, not owner names. Use parcel_details for the full record.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| limit | No | Max rows (default 10, max 50). | |
| query | Yes | Street address fragment, e.g. '100 Main St' or 'Charles St'. | |
| state | No | 2-letter state code. Coverage: 'MD' (Maryland statewide) or 'TX' (Harris County / Houston only). Defaults to MD. | |
| county | No | Optional county name to narrow results, e.g. 'Baltimore', 'Montgomery'. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations provided, the description carries the full burden. It discloses coverage limitations (MD vs TX, sale prices vs appraised value), what is returned (assessed value, land use, sale), and what is not (owner names). It implies a read-only operation, though not explicitly marked as non-destructive. Contradicts no annotations.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is concise (3 sentences) and well-structured: first sentence explains action and outputs, second covers coverage variations, third states what is missing and points to sibling. Every sentence adds value with no redundancy.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Despite having no output schema, the description clearly explains what the tool returns (assessed value, land use, most recent sale) and what limitations apply (state coverage, sale price differences). It also references a sibling tool for full records. With 4 parameters all described in schema, this is sufficiently complete for an AI agent to understand and call correctly.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema description coverage is 100%, so baseline is 3. The description adds marginal value by explaining the state coverage ('MD' or 'TX') and the optional county parameter's purpose ('narrow results'). It does not elaborate on limit or query beyond schema, but the schema already provides clear descriptions (e.g., 'Street address fragment').
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description specifies a clear verb ('Search'), resource ('property parcels'), and input ('street address'), and lists outputs ('assessed value, land use, and most recent sale'). It also distinguishes from sibling tool parcel_details by mentioning what this tool does NOT return ('not owner names') and directing to parcel_details for full records.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description provides explicit context on when to use this tool (searching by address for valuation) and when not (Texas non-disclosure, no owner names). It names an alternative (parcel_details for full record). However, it does not explicitly state when to prefer other siblings like parcel_sales_history or property_lookup.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
patent_assignee_searchAInspect
Find patent assignees (companies / organizations) by name fragment. Returns assignee id, organization name, location, and total patents owned. Ranked by patent count.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| limit | No | Maximum rows to return (default 25, max 100). | |
| organization | Yes | Company or organization name fragment (e.g. 'Apple', 'Genentech'). |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description must convey behavioral traits. It implies a read-only operation but does not explicitly state safety or side effects. The description adds value by specifying return fields and ranking but lacks disclosure of rate limits or authentication needs.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is two concise sentences, front-loading the primary action and then specifying return fields and ranking. No unnecessary words.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the existence of sibling patent tools, the description clearly identifies this tool's purpose and return fields. It lacks explicit mention of default sorting order or pagination handling, but the limit parameter addresses some of that. Overall, it is mostly complete.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100% with descriptions for both parameters (organization fragment and limit). The description adds context about name fragment matching and ranking, but does not add significant meaning beyond the schema. Baseline 3 is appropriate.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
Description clearly states the tool finds patent assignees by name fragment, specifies return fields (assignee id, organization name, location, total patents), and notes ranking by patent count. This distinguishes it from sibling patent tools like patent_search (patents) and patent_inventor_search (inventors).
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description clearly indicates it is for searching organizations by partial name, which implicitly guides the AI to use this for assignee lookup rather than other patent operations. No explicit exclusions or when-not scenarios are given, but the context is sufficient.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
patent_detailsAInspect
Fetch full details for a single patent by its USPTO patent_id (e.g. '10757852'). Returns title, grant date, type, abstract, assignees, inventors, and citation count.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| patent_id | Yes | USPTO patent id, e.g. '10757852'. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, and the description only lists returned fields (title, grant date, etc.). It does not disclose error handling, rate limits, or idempotency, relying solely on the description for transparency.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is a single sentence that immediately states the action and returns. No unnecessary words, efficiently front-loaded with 'Fetch'.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
For a simple tool with one parameter and no output schema, the description adequately covers purpose and return fields. It could mention not-found behavior but is otherwise complete.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The input schema has 100% coverage for the single parameter, and the description adds an example format ('e.g. '10757852''). This adds some value but is minimal, so baseline 3 applies.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool fetches full details for a single patent by its USPTO patent_id, providing a specific verb and resource. It also gives an example ID format, distinguishing it from search or assignment tools.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description implies use when a specific patent_id is known but does not explicitly contrast with sibling tools like patent_search or patent_assignee_search. No when-not guidance is provided.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
patent_inventor_searchAInspect
Find inventors by last name (and optional first name). Returns inventor id, name, location, and total patent count. Use the inventor name in patent_search to find their patents.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| limit | No | Maximum rows to return (default 25, max 100). | |
| last_name | Yes | Inventor last name (required). | |
| first_name | No | Optional inventor first name. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations provided, so the description carries the full burden. It states return fields and hints at usage, but lacks details on pagination, rate limits, or potential fuzzy matching. Adequate but not comprehensive.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Two sentences, front-loaded with the core action, followed by a helpful downstream suggestion. No unnecessary words.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Specifies return fields (inventor id, name, location, total patent count) despite no output schema. Could mention the limit parameter or default behavior, but overall sufficient for a simple search tool.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100% with param descriptions. The description reinforces the required/optional nature of last_name and first_name, but adds minimal new meaning beyond the schema.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states it finds inventors by last name (optional first name) and lists return fields (id, name, location, total patent count). It distinguishes itself from the sibling patent_search by suggesting downstream usage.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
Explicitly mentions using the inventor name in patent_search, providing a clear use case connection. However, does not specify when not to use it or list alternatives like patent_assignee_search.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
patent_recentAInspect
List the most recently granted US patents since a start date (defaults to 30 days ago), newest first. Useful for monitoring newly issued patents.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| limit | No | Maximum rows to return (default 25, max 100). | |
| start_date | No | Grant-date lower bound (YYYY-MM-DD). Defaults to 30 days ago. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description carries the full burden. It discloses the default date range and ordering but does not specify output format, pagination, or other behavioral traits like rate limits or whether it returns only patent numbers or full details.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is a single sentence that front-loads the purpose and use case. It is concise with no superfluous information.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the tool's simplicity (two parameters, no output schema, no annotations), the description provides sufficient context for basic usage. However, it lacks details on output format and potential limitations, which would enhance completeness.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100% with both parameters described. The description adds context about the start date default and ordering, but largely repeats schema information. Baseline score of 3 is appropriate.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool lists the most recently granted US patents, specifies the time range and ordering, and distinguishes it from sibling patent tools that focus on assignee, inventor, or detail lookups.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description indicates it is useful for monitoring newly issued patents, implying a use case. However, it does not explicitly state when not to use it or mention alternatives among siblings like patent_search for broader queries.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
patent_searchAInspect
Search granted US patents by keyword (matched against title and abstract), title, and/or grant date range. Provide at least one of query, title, start_date, end_date. Returns title, grant date, assignee, and inventors.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| limit | No | Maximum rows to return (default 25, max 100). | |
| query | No | Keyword(s) matched across patent title and abstract (e.g. 'lithium battery anode'). | |
| title | No | Keyword(s) matched against the patent title only. | |
| end_date | No | Grant-date upper bound (YYYY-MM-DD). | |
| start_date | No | Grant-date lower bound (YYYY-MM-DD). |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations provided, so description carries full burden. It specifies return fields and that only granted patents are searched, but lacks details on pagination, defaults, rate limits, or output format.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Two sentences, highly concise, front-loaded with key purpose and filtering criteria. No redundant words.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Covers search inputs and return fields. Lacks information on sorting, ordering, or pagination behavior. Given 5 params and sibling tools, further detail would be beneficial but basic completeness is achieved.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema covers all parameters at 100%, but description adds clarity by stating the mutual exclusivity requirement: at least one of query, title, start_date, end_date must be provided.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
Description clearly states it searches granted US patents by specified criteria (keyword, title, date range), distinguishing itself from siblings like patent_assignee_search and patent_inventor_search.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
Provides explicit requirement to supply at least one of query, title, start_date, end_date. Does not explicitly state when to avoid this tool but implies its scope is for granted patents.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
property_lookupAInspect
Look up real estate property data by street address or account number. Returns property owner name, assessed value, market value, land value, improvement value, year built, square footage, lot size, acreage, exemptions (homestead, over 65, disabled veteran), and legal description. Use this for questions like "who owns this house?", "how much is this property worth?", "what's the tax value of this address?", "what are the property details?", or any real estate lookup. Coverage note: currently demo dataset for Montgomery County, TX (sample properties only). Full live coverage of all Texas counties via ATTOM/Estated is available as a paid upgrade. Email support@livedatalink.ai to enable real CAD data on your account.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| query | Yes | Street address or appraisal district account number | |
| county | No | County name (default: montgomery) | montgomery |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations provided, the description carries the full burden. It discloses the coverage limitation (demo dataset for Montgomery County) and mentions the paid upgrade for full coverage. This is valuable behavioral context. It does not mention side effects or authentication, but the read-only nature is implied by the description.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is somewhat lengthy but front-loads the main purpose and returned fields. Example questions and coverage note are useful. Each sentence contributes value, though it could be slightly more concise without losing important information.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the tool has no output schema, the description lists many return fields and covers typical use cases. It mentions coverage limitations but does not explain query formatting or case sensitivity. Overall, it is fairly complete for a simple lookup tool.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The input schema has 100% coverage, describing both parameters. The description largely repeats the schema's info (e.g., query is 'Street address or appraisal district account number'). It adds the county default context but does not significantly enhance parameter understanding beyond what the schema provides.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool's purpose: looking up real estate property data by street address or account number. It lists many returned fields and provides example questions. However, it does not explicitly differentiate itself from sibling tools like parcel_details or property_search_area, which may return similar data.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description provides example questions to illustrate when to use the tool, but it does not specify when not to use it or mention alternatives. It lacks explicit exclusions or guidance on choosing between this and other real estate tools.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
property_search_areaAInspect
Search for real estate properties in a geographic area. Filter by zip code, subdivision, neighborhood, or street name. Use this for questions like "what homes are in this zip code?", "show me properties in this neighborhood", "find houses on Main Street", "what's the average home value in this area?", or any area-based property search. Returns a list of properties with addresses, owners, values, and property types.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| zip | No | 5-digit ZIP code to search within | |
| county | No | County name (default: montgomery) | montgomery |
| street | No | Street name to search (e.g., 'Main St') | |
| subdivision | No | Subdivision or neighborhood name |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description carries full burden. It discloses the return type (list of properties with addresses, owners, values, property types) and that it filters by geographic criteria. It does not mention rate limits or side effects, but for a read-only search tool this is acceptable.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Two sentences, no redundant information. Front-loaded with the primary action and resource, then filter details, then example queries, then return type. Every sentence adds value.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
The description covers the tool's functionality, filters, example usage, and return data. It lacks mention of result limits or pagination, but given no output schema, it provides enough for an agent to understand what to expect.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100%, so the baseline is 3. The description reiterates parameter names and briefly adds context (e.g., '5-digit ZIP code') but does not add significant new meaning beyond the schema descriptions.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
Description starts with a specific verb and resource: 'Search for real estate properties in a geographic area.' It lists distinct filter criteria (zip code, subdivision, neighborhood, street name) and distinguishes from sibling tools like property_lookup and property_search_owner by emphasizing area-based search.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description provides concrete example questions that clarify when to use the tool (e.g., 'what homes are in this zip code?'). It does not explicitly say when NOT to use or name alternative tools, but the examples and tool names imply the scope.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
property_search_ownerAInspect
Search for real estate properties by owner name. Find all properties owned by a person, family, trust, LLC, or company. Supports partial name matching. Use this for questions like "what properties does John Smith own?", "find all land owned by this company", "who owns property in this area?", or any property ownership search. Returns addresses, values, property types, and account numbers for all matching properties.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| county | No | County name (default: montgomery) | montgomery |
| owner_name | Yes | Full or partial owner name to search for |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description carries the full burden. It discloses partial name matching and the return fields (addresses, values, property types, account numbers). It does not mention limitations like result limits or authentication, but it is adequate for a simple search tool.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is about 3-4 sentences, front-loads the purpose, provides concrete examples, and clearly states the return structure. Every sentence adds value with no redundancy.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the simplicity of the tool (2 params, no output schema), the description covers purpose, matching behavior, return values, and example queries. It is complete for an agent to use correctly.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema description coverage is 100%. The description does not add meaning beyond the schema for either parameter: owner_name's partial matching is already in the schema, and county is not elaborated. Baseline score of 3 is appropriate.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the verb 'Search' and resource 'real estate properties by owner name'. It provides examples that distinguish it from siblings like property_search_area and property_lookup.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description gives specific example questions (e.g., 'what properties does John Smith own?') that indicate appropriate usage. It does not explicitly exclude cases or name alternatives, but the context is clear.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
property_value_historyAInspect
Get property value history and tax assessment trends over multiple years. Shows year-by-year market value, land value, improvement value, and percentage change. Use this for questions like "how has this property's value changed?", "what's the appreciation rate?", "show me the tax assessment history", "has this home gone up in value?", or any property valuation trend question. Requires account number (use property_lookup first to find it).
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| county | No | County name (default: montgomery) | montgomery |
| account_number | Yes | County appraisal district account number |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations provided, the description carries full burden for behavioral disclosure. It transparently states that the tool shows year-by-year data including specific value types and percentage change. It implies a read-only operation without destructive effects. The description adds context beyond what annotations would cover, though it could mention rate limits or data availability limitations.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is front-loaded with the main purpose in the first sentence. It then lists example questions and the prerequisite. Every sentence adds value, though the list of example questions is somewhat verbose. It is appropriately structured and efficient for the information provided.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
The description partially compensates for the missing output schema by stating 'Shows year-by-year market value, land value, improvement value, and percentage change.' However, it does not specify the exact structure or field names of the output. Given that the tool has only 2 parameters and no output schema, the description could be more complete about the return format or data source.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The input schema has 100% description coverage for both parameters (account_number and county), so the baseline is 3. The description adds only that account_number is required and can be obtained from property_lookup, but it does not provide additional meaning beyond the schema (e.g., format examples or default behavior for county).
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description explicitly states the tool's purpose: 'Get property value history and tax assessment trends over multiple years.' It details specific output fields (market value, land value, improvement value, percentage change) and provides example questions. It also distinguishes from siblings by noting the prerequisite to use property_lookup first, clarifying the tool's role after account number retrieval.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description gives clear usage context with example questions and explicitly states the prerequisite: 'Requires account number (use property_lookup first to find it).' This helps the agent know when to use this tool versus siblings. However, it does not provide explicit when-not-to-use scenarios or alternative tool names for cases where the account number is already known.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
pypi_packageAInspect
Look up a Python (PyPI) package: latest version, summary, license, author, homepage, and required Python version. Keyless.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| name | Yes | PyPI package name, e.g. 'requests'. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations, the description properly discloses the keyless nature and the returned fields (version, summary, etc.). It does not mention rate limits or error behavior, but for a simple read-only tool, this is adequate.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is two sentences, front-loaded with the core action and output fields. Every word serves a purpose; no redundancy.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the tool's low complexity (one parameter, no output schema), the description fully covers what the tool does, what it returns, and the lack of authentication. No critical information is missing.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The schema has 100% description coverage for the single parameter, so the baseline is 3. The tool description adds no extra meaning beyond the schema's own description of the 'name' parameter.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool retrieves a Python PyPI package, listing specific fields like version, summary, license. It distinguishes from siblings (e.g., cargo_crate, npm_package) by explicitly mentioning Python and PyPI.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description implies usage for querying PyPI packages but does not provide explicit guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives or exclusion criteria. The term 'Keyless' hints at no authentication, but no direct comparison with sibling tools.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
rdap_domainAInspect
Registration record for a domain via RDAP (the modern WHOIS): registrar, creation/update/expiration dates, status flags, nameservers, and DNSSEC. Useful for due diligence and OSINT on a company's web presence. Keyless.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| domain | Yes | Domain name, e.g. 'example.com'. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations provided, the description carries the full burden of behavioral disclosure. It states 'Keyless' (no API key required) and lists the data returned, but does not address aspects like rate limits, error handling, or whether the data is live or cached. For a read-only tool, this is adequate but not comprehensive.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is two sentences long, front-loading the purpose and key data fields without any filler. Every sentence is informative, making it easy for an AI agent to quickly grasp the function.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the single required parameter and no output schema, the description sufficiently covers the tool's functionality by listing the types of data returned and its use case. It is complete for a simple lookup tool.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The input schema has one parameter 'domain' with a clear description, and coverage is 100%. The tool description does not add new parameter-level details beyond what the schema provides, so the baseline score of 3 is appropriate.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool retrieves RDAP registration records for a domain, listing specific fields (registrar, dates, status flags, nameservers, DNSSEC). It distinguishes itself from siblings like rdap_ip by focusing on domains, and the purpose is immediately understandable.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description specifies the tool is useful for due diligence and OSINT on a company's web presence, providing clear context for when to use it. However, it does not explicitly mention when not to use it or suggest alternative tools, leaving some ambiguity.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
rdap_ipAInspect
Ownership record for an IP address or block via RDAP: the network name, owning organization, ASN, CIDR range, and country. Pairs with ip_reputation and entity lookups. Keyless.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| ip | Yes | IPv4 or IPv6 address, e.g. '8.8.8.8'. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations provided; description only adds 'Keyless' as behavioral info. Lacks details on rate limits, error handling, or authentication requirements.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Two sentences, no redundancy, front-loaded key information.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Covers main purpose and output fields; lacks behavioral details but adequate for low complexity.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100% and description repeats schema info ('IPv4 or IPv6 address'). No additional meaning beyond schema.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states it returns ownership records for an IP address, lists specific fields, and mentions sibling tool 'ip_reputation' for differentiation.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
It indicates pairing with ip_reputation and entity lookups, and mentions 'Keyless' (no API key). Does not explicitly state when not to use, but provides sufficient context.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
realestate_home_valuesAInspect
Get the typical home value for a metro or state (Zillow Home Value Index): the latest value plus 1-year and 5-year-ago values and percent change. Pass a region name or id.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| region | Yes | Metro or state name (e.g. 'Austin, TX', 'Houston', 'Texas') or a Zillow region id. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description must fully convey behavior. It states 'Get' implying a read operation, but does not explicitly confirm read-only, absence of side effects, or response format. Leaves ambiguity for an agent.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Two sentences, 21 words, front-loaded with purpose and scope. Every word adds value; no redundant or vague phrasing. Highly efficient.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
With no output schema, the description lists returned data: latest, 1-year, 5-year values and percent change. This is sufficient for understanding output, though structure or error cases are omitted. For a simple tool, it is fairly complete.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema description is present and covers 100% of parameters. Tool description adds examples of region inputs (e.g., 'Austin, TX', 'Texas') and clarifies that region can be a Zillow region ID, going beyond schema.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
Description clearly states the tool retrieves typical home values (Zillow Home Value Index) for a metro or state, including latest, 1-year, and 5-year values with percent change. Distinct from sibling tools like realestate_rents or realestate_trend.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
Description instructs to pass a region name or id but does not provide when to use this tool versus alternatives or when not to use. The purpose is clear but no explicit guidance on selection among siblings.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
realestate_rentsBInspect
Get the typical asking rent for a metro or state (Zillow Observed Rent Index): the latest value plus 1-year and 5-year-ago values and percent change. Pass a region name or id.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| region | Yes | Metro or state name (e.g. 'Austin, TX', 'Houston', 'Texas') or a Zillow region id. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations provided. Description discloses basic output but no behavioral traits like rate limits, data freshness, or side effects. It does not state that it's a read-only operation or any limitations.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Two sentences, front-loaded with purpose, followed by output details and input requirement. No fluff.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
For a simple 1-parameter tool with no output schema, the description explains what is returned (latest plus historical values and percent change). Missing format details but adequate for typical use.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema already provides a clear description for the 'region' parameter with examples. The description adds no new semantic meaning beyond 'Pass a region name or id.' Baseline 3 as schema coverage is 100%.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
Clearly states it gets typical asking rent (Zillow Observed Rent Index) for a metro or state, with specific returned values (latest, 1-year, 5-year, percent change). Differentiates from sibling real estate tools like home_values, search, status, trend.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
No guidance on when to use this tool vs alternatives (e.g., realestate_home_values for home prices, realestate_search for listings). The description only explains what it does without context or exclusions.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
realestate_searchAInspect
Find real-estate markets (metro areas or states) by name and get each one's latest typical home value (Zillow Home Value Index). Use this to discover the region name/id before calling realestate_home_values, realestate_rents, or realestate_trend.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| type | No | Optional filter: 'metro' or 'state'. | |
| limit | No | Max rows (default 10, max 50). | |
| query | Yes | Name fragment, e.g. 'Austin', 'Bay Area', 'Texas'. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description carries the full burden. It indicates the tool returns data (region info and home value), but does not mention pagination, rate limits, or that it is a read operation. The behavior is straightforward, so the description is adequate but not rich.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description consists of two concise, front-loaded sentences. The first defines the tool's core function, and the second provides usage guidance. No wasted words.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the absence of an output schema, the description hints at the return value (latest ZHVI and region info). It provides enough context to understand what the tool does and how it fits with sibling tools. However, it could be more explicit about the exact output fields (e.g., region id, name, value).
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100%, so the input schema already describes all three parameters. The description adds examples for the query parameter (e.g., 'Austin') and implies the type filter, but does not re-describe each parameter in detail. With complete schema coverage, baseline 3 is appropriate.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool's function: find real-estate markets by name and get their latest typical home value (ZHVI). It also explains its role as a discovery step before using other realestate tools, distinguishing it from siblings.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description explicitly tells when to use the tool: to discover region name/id before calling realestate_home_values, realestate_rents, or realestate_trend. While it doesn't explicitly state when not to use it, the guidance is clear and actionable.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
realestate_statusAInspect
Report real-estate store coverage: number of regions, total monthly data points, the latest month available, and last refresh. Data is Zillow Research (ZHVI + ZORI), metro and state level.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
No parameters | |||
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations provided. Description does not disclose side effects, permissions, or rate limits. Though a read-only operation, the agent has no explicit confirmation of safety.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Two concise sentences, front-loaded with purpose and outputs. No unnecessary information.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Output is described with specific metrics (regions, datapoints, latest month, refresh). Lacks output structure details, but sufficient for a status tool with no output schema.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
No parameters in input schema; baseline 4 applies. Description does not need to add parameter info.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
Clearly states it reports coverage statistics for real estate data from Zillow Research. Distinguishes from sibling tools like realestate_home_values which provide actual values.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
No explicit guidance on when to use this tool vs alternatives. Implies it is for checking data availability, but does not state this directly.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
realestate_trendAInspect
Get the monthly time series of home values (ZHVI) or rents (ZORI) for a metro or state, to chart or analyze the trend.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| metric | No | 'home_value' (ZHVI, default) or 'rent' (ZORI). | |
| months | No | How many recent months to return (default 24, max 360). | |
| region | Yes | Metro or state name (e.g. 'Austin, TX', 'Houston', 'Texas') or a Zillow region id. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations provided, so description carries full burden. It does not disclose any behavioral traits such as data freshness, rate limits, or pagination. Only states the basic function without side effects or limitations.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Single sentence of 24 words, front-loaded with purpose. No superfluous information; every word earns its place.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given no output schema, description does not clarify return format (e.g., time series structure). While adequate for a simple trend tool, it leaves some uncertainty about output details.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100% with parameter descriptions. Description adds minor context (mentions ZHVI/ZORI and purpose 'to chart or analyze') but does not significantly enhance meaning beyond the schema.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
Description clearly states verb 'Get', resource 'monthly time series of home values or rents', and scope 'for a metro or state'. It distinguishes itself from sibling tools like realestate_home_values by focusing on trend data rather than current values.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
While description implies usage for trend analysis, it provides no explicit guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives (e.g., realestate_home_values for current values). No exclusion or context for appropriate use cases.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
recreation_facility_detailAInspect
Full record for a single federal recreation facility by its RIDB FacilityID: contact, GPS, reservation URL, accessibility, agency.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| facility_id | Yes | RIDB FacilityID, e.g. '234064'. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description must convey behavioral traits. It indicates a read operation returning a record, but lacks details on authentication, rate limits, or data freshness. The list of included fields provides some context, but overall, behavioral transparency is adequate but not thorough.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is a single, concise sentence (17 words) that front-loads the core purpose and lists key data fields. Every word is relevant, with no redundancy.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
The description adequately covers the tool's functionality for a single-parameter, read-only operation. It specifies key fields returned. Minor omission is the lack of mention of the return format (e.g., JSON object), but overall, it is complete enough for an agent to invoke correctly.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema description coverage is 100%, so baseline is 3. The description repeats the schema's parameter description ('RIDB FacilityID, e.g. '234064'.') without adding new meaning. Thus, no additional value beyond the schema.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool returns a full record for a single federal recreation facility, specifying the data fields (contact, GPS, reservation URL, accessibility, agency). It distinguishes from sibling tools like recreation_search_facilities which are for searching multiple facilities.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description implies usage when a specific FacilityID is known and full details are needed, but it does not explicitly state when to use this tool versus alternatives like recreation_search_facilities or recreation_nearby. No exclusions or when-not guidance is provided.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
recreation_nearbyAInspect
List federal recreation facilities within a radius of a coordinate. Useful for proximity searches (e.g. campgrounds near a property, fishing spots near a city). Radius is in kilometers.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| lat | Yes | Center latitude. | |
| lon | Yes | Center longitude. | |
| limit | No | Max rows (1-50, default 10). | |
| activity | No | Optional activity filter. | |
| radius_km | No | Radius in kilometers (default 30, max ~320). |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description carries full burden. It discloses only the core function (listing federal facilities) and that radius uses kilometers, but omits important behavioral traits like pagination, real-time data, or any restrictions on usage. The tool's safety and side effects are not addressed.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is two sentences: the first precisely states the tool's action, and the second provides concise usage examples and a key detail about radius units. Every sentence adds value; there is no fluff.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
For a 5-parameter tool with no output schema or annotations, the description adequately covers the purpose and typical usage but lacks details on return format, data source recency, or any limits beyond those in the schema. It is functional but not fully comprehensive.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
All 5 parameters have descriptions in the schema (100% coverage), so the description adds little beyond reinforcing that radius is in kilometers and providing usage context. The examples help illustrate parameter use but don't add new semantic details beyond the schema.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the verb 'List', the resource 'federal recreation facilities', and the scope 'within a radius of a coordinate'. Examples clarify proximity use cases, effectively distinguishing it from sibling tools like recreation_search_facilities or recreation_facility_detail.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description provides clear context for when to use (proximity searches) with concrete examples, but does not explicitly state when not to use or list alternative tools. The guidance is strong for a typical scenario, slightly lacking exclusions.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
recreation_search_campsitesAInspect
Search individual campsites (sites within a campground): loop, accessibility, type, reservable. Provide facility_id to list sites within a known campground, or query to free-text search.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| limit | No | Max rows (1-50, default 10). | |
| query | No | Free-text match on campsite name. Optional. | |
| facility_id | No | RIDB FacilityID to list campsites within. Optional. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations provided. Description does not disclose behavioral traits such as pagination, rate limits, auth requirements, or what happens with combined parameters. It only hints at campsite attributes but lacks depth.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Two sentences, front-loaded, no unnecessary words. Every sentence adds information.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
No output schema, and description does not explain return values or pagination. For a search tool with two modes and no output schema, the description is incomplete for agents to fully understand the response.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema descriptions cover all parameters (100% coverage). The description adds value by explaining the two modes (facility_id vs query) and mentioning campsite attributes, though those are not parameters.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states it searches individual campsites within a campground, mentioning specific attributes (loop, accessibility, type, reservable) and distinguishes it from siblings like recreation_search_facilities which searches campgrounds.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
Provides explicit guidance on when to use each parameter: facility_id for known campground, query for free-text search. Does not explicitly mention when not to use or alternatives, but the context is clear.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
recreation_search_facilitiesBInspect
Search US federal recreation facilities (campgrounds, picnic areas, trailheads, marinas, visitor centers) across NPS, USFS, BLM, USACE, BOR, FWS. Filter by name, state, or activity (e.g. 'CAMPING', 'FISHING', 'HIKING').
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| limit | No | Max rows (1-50, default 10). | |
| query | No | Free-text match on facility name. | |
| state | No | Two-letter state code, e.g. 'CA'. | |
| activity | No | Activity name (CAMPING, FISHING, HIKING, etc.). |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description carries the full burden. It states the tool searches facilities but does not disclose behavioral traits such as rate limits, pagination, data freshness, or authorization requirements. The description is minimal on behavioral context.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is a single sentence that packs in agencies, facility types, and filter parameters. It is efficient and front-loaded with key info. Slightly busy but still concise.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given 4 parameters and no output schema, the description adequately covers the tool's purpose and filters. However, it lacks details on limitations (e.g., data coverage, case sensitivity of activity) and assumes user knowledge of agency acronyms. It is minimally complete.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema description coverage is 100%, so the baseline is 3. The description repeats the parameter names and adds examples for activity (e.g., 'CAMPING') but does not provide additional meaning beyond the schema. It adds marginal value.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool searches US federal recreation facilities across multiple agencies (NPS, USFS, BLM, USACE, BOR, FWS) and lists specific facility types. It differentiates from sibling tools like recreation_search_campsites by its broader scope.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description implies usage by listing filter parameters (name, state, activity) but provides no explicit guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives or any exclusions. Sibling tools like recreation_search_campsites are not mentioned.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
recreation_search_recareasAInspect
Search federal recreation AREAS (broader units: a whole national forest, a national park unit, a BLM management area) by name, state, or activity. For higher-level place search use this; for specific facilities (campgrounds, trailheads) use recreation_search_facilities.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| limit | No | Max rows (1-50, default 10). | |
| query | No | Free-text match on recreation-area name. | |
| state | No | Two-letter state code. | |
| activity | No | Activity name. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description must disclose behavioral traits. It only mentions search capabilities (by name, state, activity) but does not describe result format, pagination, rate limits, or what happens with no results, leaving significant gaps.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is two sentences: the first defines the purpose and scope concisely, the second provides critical sibling differentiation. No wasted words; front-loaded with key information.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the tool's simplicity (4 optional parameters, no output schema), the description covers purpose and usage adequately. It lacks return format details, but the schema descriptions mitigate this. Agent can infer reasonable expectations.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100% with each parameter described. The description reinforces that parameters 'query', 'state', and 'activity' align with search by name, state, or activity, but adds no new meaning beyond the schema.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool searches for federal recreation areas (broader units) with specific examples (national forest, park unit, BLM area). It distinguishes from the sibling tool recreation_search_facilities, which searches for specific facilities.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description explicitly advises when to use this tool (higher-level place search) versus recreation_search_facilities (specific facilities). However, it does not mention other related sibling tools like recreation_nearby or recreation_search_campsites, limiting comprehensive guidance.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
reg_cfr_searchAInspect
Full-text search the current Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR, all 50 titles) for a phrase or keywords. Returns matching sections with their citation (e.g. '40 CFR 98.411'), hierarchy heading, a text snippet, effective date, and the official eCFR URL, plus the total match count. Use reg_cfr_section to read a full section's text.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| limit | No | Max sections to return (default 20, max 100). | |
| query | Yes | Phrase or keywords to find in the CFR, e.g. 'greenhouse gas reporting'. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description bears the full burden. It describes the return fields (citation, hierarchy heading, snippet, effective date, URL, total match count) and confirms it searches the current eCFR. It does not mention rate limits or authentication, but for a read-only search tool, the transparency is adequate.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is extremely concise: two sentences covering purpose, return values, and sibling tool usage. Every sentence is informative, with no waste. The most critical information is front-loaded.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Even without an output schema, the description thoroughly enumerates the return fields (citation, heading, snippet, effective date, URL, total count) and provides an example citation format. For a search tool with two parameters, this is complete and helps the agent understand what to expect.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema description coverage is 100%, so the baseline is 3. The description does not add significant meaning beyond the schema; it repeats the purpose of the query and limit parameters without additional nuance. The example in the schema for query is more detailed than the description's mention.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states it performs full-text search of the entire current Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR) across all 50 titles. It distinguishes itself from the sibling tool reg_cfr_section, which is used to read a full section's text, making its purpose unambiguous.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description explicitly directs users to use reg_cfr_section when they need the full text of a section, providing a clear alternative. It does not include negative cases (e.g., when not to use the tool) but the context is sufficient for the agent to make a reasonable choice.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
reg_cfr_sectionAInspect
Get the current text of a specific Code of Federal Regulations section. Provide the title number, part, and section (e.g. title 40, part '98', section '98.411'). Returns the section's plain text, the date it is current as of, and the official eCFR URL.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| date | No | Optional point-in-time ISO date yyyy-mm-dd; defaults to current. | |
| part | Yes | CFR part, e.g. '98'. | |
| title | Yes | CFR title number 1-50, e.g. 40. | |
| section | Yes | CFR section, e.g. '98.411'. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description carries the full burden. It states the tool 'gets' text, implying a read operation, but does not explicitly confirm read-only behavior or mention any side effects. For a simple retrieval tool, this is adequate but lacks full transparency.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is two sentences, front-loaded with the action, includes an example, and specifies return fields. No wasted words; every sentence serves a purpose.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
The description covers what is returned (plain text, date, URL) and provides usage example. However, it omits handling of errors (e.g., section not found) and does not mention the optional date parameter. Given no output schema, it is still fairly complete for a simple retrieval tool.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Input schema covers all 4 parameters with descriptions. The description adds value by providing a concrete example (title 40, part '98', section '98.411') and clarifies the relationship between part and section. This enhances understanding beyond the schema alone.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool retrieves the current text of a specific CFR section, provides an example (title 40, part '98', section '98.411'), and describes what is returned (plain text, date, URL). This is specific, distinct, and directly addresses the tool's purpose.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description implies usage for retrieving a single section's text but does not differentiate from sibling tools like reg_cfr_search (for searching) or reg_cfr_titles (for listing titles). No explicit guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
reg_cfr_titlesAInspect
List the 50 Code of Federal Regulations titles with their name and the date each title's text is current as of. Useful for discovering title numbers (e.g. Title 26 = Internal Revenue, Title 40 = Protection of Environment) before calling reg_cfr_section.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
No parameters | |||
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations provided, so description carries full burden. It states it lists titles, which is read-only, but does not describe return format or any potential side effects. Basic behavioral info is present but could be more explicit.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Two sentences, front-loaded with purpose and example usage. No extraneous words; efficient and clear.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
For a parameterless tool listing all titles, the description covers purpose and usage context. No output schema exists, but the tool is simple enough that the description is complete.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
No parameters exist, so schema coverage is 100%. The description need not add parameter info; baseline of 4 applies.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states it lists all 50 CFR titles with name and date, and explicitly distinguishes from sibling tool reg_cfr_section by noting its utility for discovering title numbers before that call.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
Explicitly says it is useful before calling reg_cfr_section, providing a clear when-to-use. However, it does not mention when not to use or compare to reg_cfr_search, but the context is sufficient.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
reg_documentAInspect
Get full metadata and a plain-text body excerpt for a single Federal Register document by its document number (e.g. '2026-09905'). Returns title, type, agencies, abstract, affected CFR parts, a leading excerpt of the full rule text, and the URL for the complete document.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| document_number | Yes | Federal Register document number, e.g. '2026-09905'. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations provided, so description must disclose behavior. It states the tool returns metadata and excerpt, but does not clarify whether it is read-only (likely), any rate limits, or the exact excerpt length.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Two sentences, front-loaded with action verb and example. No wasted words; every sentence adds value.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Simple tool with one parameter and no output schema. Description covers all key aspects: purpose, required input, and return types (title, type, agencies, abstract, CFR parts, excerpt, URL). Adequate for agent decision-making.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100% and schema description already explains document_number well. The description adds an example but no extra semantic meaning beyond the schema.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
Clearly states the tool retrieves full metadata and plain-text excerpt for a single Federal Register document by document number. Lists specific return fields (title, type, agencies, abstract, etc.) and distinguishes from sibling search tools.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
Explicitly instructs when to use (when you have a document number like '2026-09905'). Does not explicitly mention when not to use or alternatives, but context of siblings implies this is for individual document retrieval.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
reg_searchAInspect
Search the Federal Register (the daily journal of the US government) for rules, proposed rules, notices, and presidential documents by keyword, with optional agency, document type, and publication-date filters. Returns each document's number, title, type, publishing agency, abstract, and URL. Use reg_document to get the full text of one document.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| term | No | Keyword(s), e.g. 'methane emissions', 'overtime rule'. | |
| type | No | Optional document type: 'rule', 'proposed-rule', 'notice', or 'presidential-document'. | |
| limit | No | Max rows (default 20, max 100). | |
| agency | No | Optional agency slug, e.g. 'environmental-protection-agency', 'securities-and-exchange-commission'. | |
| published_to | No | Published on/before, ISO date yyyy-mm-dd. | |
| published_from | No | Published on/after, ISO date yyyy-mm-dd. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations exist, so description carries full burden. It describes the output fields in detail (number, title, type, agency, abstract, URL) and implies read-only search behavior. Does not mention pagination limits or rate limits, but the 'limit' parameter addresses some pagination.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Two concise sentences: the first explains the tool's purpose and parameters, the second directs to the sibling tool. No redundant information.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
With no output schema, the description lists returned fields. It covers purpose, parameters, and sibling guidance. For a search tool, this is sufficient for an agent to use it correctly.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema covers 100% of parameters with descriptions. The description restates the parameters in summary form but adds no new meaning beyond what the schema provides. Baseline of 3 is appropriate.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states it searches the Federal Register for specific document types (rules, proposed rules, etc.) and lists the return fields. It distinguishes from the sibling reg_document tool for full-text retrieval.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
Explicitly tells the agent to use reg_document for full text, providing a clear alternative. However, no direct guidance on when not to use this tool or comparisons to other search tools on the server, limiting full usage context.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
sanctions_get_changesAInspect
Return entities added or updated since a given ISO date for a chosen source list. The four official lists do not all expose a public delta feed, so this filters the cached snapshot by listedOn.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| limit | No | Maximum matches to return. Defaults vary per tool. | |
| since | Yes | ISO date string (e.g. 2026-01-01) to compute the delta from. | |
| source | Yes |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations, the description explains that the tool filters a cached snapshot by listedOn because of a lack of public delta feeds. It does not disclose response format, pagination, or rate limits, but the filtering logic is transparent.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Two sentences: first defines core function, second adds technical detail. Every phrase is necessary and front-loaded. No redundancy.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
The description covers what the tool does and why the filtering is needed, but with no output schema, it omits return format and pagination. For a tool with 3 parameters of moderate complexity, it is adequate but not fully comprehensive.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 67% (source lacks description). The description adds context that source refers to 'four official lists' and explains the filtering reason, partially compensating. For since and limit, it adds no new meaning beyond schema.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description specifies the verb 'return' and the resource 'entities added or updated since a given ISO date for a chosen source list.' It distinguishes from sibling tools like sanctions_get_entity (single entity) and sanctions_screen_entity (screening) by focusing on changes over time.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description implies usage for monitoring updates but does not explicitly state when to use this tool instead of alternatives like sanctions_get_entity. It mentions that not all lists expose a delta feed, hinting at limitations, but lacks direct guidance on selection criteria.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
sanctions_get_entityAInspect
Fetch a full record by entity ID (e.g. "OFAC_SDN-44705"). The ID is self-describing and includes the source; obtain it from a screening result.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| id | Yes | Entity ID from a screening result, e.g. "OFAC_SDN-44705". |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations exist, so the description should disclose behavioral traits. It mentions the source of the ID but does not describe whether the operation is safe, any authorization needs, rate limits, or what 'full record' entails. The description is minimal.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is two sentences, concise and front-loaded with the action. Every word adds value without redundancy.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given no output schema, the description is fairly complete for a simple fetch operation. It explains how to get the ID and implies the return is a full record. However, it could mention the type of data returned (e.g., JSON with fields).
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The input schema covers 100% of parameters with a description. The tool description adds context that the ID is 'self-describing' and its source, which enhances understanding beyond the schema.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the verb 'fetch' and resource 'full record by entity ID', with an example. It distinguishes from siblings by noting the ID comes from a screening result, but could be more explicit about differentiation from similar tools like sanctions_screen_entity.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description implies usage context ('obtain it from a screening result') but does not explicitly state when to use this tool versus alternatives, nor does it provide exclusions or prerequisites.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
sanctions_screen_addressBInspect
Match a physical address against listed addresses. Useful for KYC / supplier vetting when the counterparty's name is generic but the address is distinctive.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| limit | No | Maximum matches to return. Defaults vary per tool. | |
| address | Yes | Free-form address string. | |
| sources | No | Restrict screening to a subset of source lists. Defaults to all four. Allowed: OFAC_SDN, EU_CFSP, UN_SC, BIS_DPL. | |
| threshold | No | Minimum confidence score (0..1) for a result to be returned. Defaults to 0.85. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, and the description does not disclose behavioral traits such as read-only nature, authentication requirements, rate limits, or return format. The tool performs matching, but details are sparse.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is exceptionally concise with two sentences that efficiently convey purpose and a use case. Every word adds value.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given four parameters, no output schema, and no annotations, the description is insufficiently complete. It lacks details on return values, matching behavior, error handling, or scenarios where the tool is inappropriate.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The input schema covers 100% of parameters, so the description does not need to add detail. However, it adds no extra meaning beyond the schema, such as expected address format or how sources relate to the threshold.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool matches a physical address against listed addresses and provides a use case (KYC/supplier vetting). However, it does not explicitly distinguish from sibling screening tools like sanctions_screen_entity or sanctions_screen_batch, leaving some ambiguity.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description gives a specific scenario (when name is generic but address is distinctive) but does not indicate when to avoid this tool or mention alternatives like sanctions_screen_entity for name-based screening. This provides partial guidance.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
sanctions_screen_batchAInspect
Screen up to 50 names in a single call. Returns one result block per input, in input order. Each name counts as one screen for billing purposes.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| limit | No | Maximum matches to return. Defaults vary per tool. | |
| names | Yes | Array of names to screen. Max 50. | |
| sources | No | Restrict screening to a subset of source lists. Defaults to all four. Allowed: OFAC_SDN, EU_CFSP, UN_SC, BIS_DPL. | |
| threshold | No | Minimum confidence score (0..1) for a result to be returned. Defaults to 0.85. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations, the description discloses key traits: output returns one block per input in order, and each name counts for billing. It doesn't cover rate limits or result details, but the billing info adds value beyond purpose.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Three short sentences, each essential: purpose, output format, billing. No redundant information.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
The description covers batch limit, output order, and billing, but lacks details on what a 'result block' contains. Given no output schema, more return format info would improve completeness, but current detail is adequate for basic use.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100%, and the description adds no parameter-specific meaning beyond what the schema already provides. The 'up to 50' limit is in both, so no extra insight.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the action (screen names), resource (names against sanctions lists), and batch limit (up to 50). It distinguishes from sibling tools like sanctions_screen_entity by specifying batch processing of names.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description implies when to use (batch of names up to 50) but does not explicitly state when not to use or mention alternatives like sanctions_screen_entity or sanctions_screen_address for single entities.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
sanctions_screen_entityAInspect
Screen a single name or entity against the four major sanctions / denied-party lists (OFAC SDN, EU consolidated, UN consolidated, BIS DPL). Returns matches with confidence scores. Free tier: 50 screens/month; standard rate $0.05/screen.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| name | Yes | Name or entity string to screen. | |
| limit | No | Maximum matches to return. Defaults vary per tool. | |
| sources | No | Restrict screening to a subset of source lists. Defaults to all four. Allowed: OFAC_SDN, EU_CFSP, UN_SC, BIS_DPL. | |
| threshold | No | Minimum confidence score (0..1) for a result to be returned. Defaults to 0.85. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Discloses return of matches with confidence scores, free tier limit (50/month) and standard rate ($0.05/screen). No annotations provided, so the description carries full burden; it lacks details on error handling or data freshness but covers cost and basic behavior well.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Two sentences front-loaded with core purpose and lists, followed by additional detail on confidence and pricing. Extremely concise with no wasted words.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the lack of output schema and annotations, the description covers essential aspects: purpose, lists, confidence, pricing, and single-entity scope. It does not detail return format, but the core information is sufficient for a screening tool.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100%; description adds context by naming the specific lists, explaining threshold as confidence 0..1 with default 0.85, and noting that limit defaults vary. This provides extra meaning beyond the schema alone.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
Description clearly states it screens a single name/entity against four major sanctions lists, differentiating from siblings like sanctions_screen_address and sanctions_screen_batch by specifying 'single name or entity' and listing the specific lists (OFAC SDN, EU consolidated, UN consolidated, BIS DPL).
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
Implies use for single entity screening, lists the specific sanctions lists used, and mentions pricing tiers (free/paid). However, it does not explicitly exclude use for addresses or batch screening, nor does it name alternative tools for those scenarios.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
sanctions_search_aliasAInspect
Search aliases / AKAs across selected lists. Distinct from screen_entity in that only the alias fields are matched, which is helpful when the primary listed name differs sharply from the popular spelling.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| limit | No | Maximum matches to return. Defaults vary per tool. | |
| query | Yes | Alias / AKA to search for. | |
| sources | No | Restrict screening to a subset of source lists. Defaults to all four. Allowed: OFAC_SDN, EU_CFSP, UN_SC, BIS_DPL. | |
| threshold | No | Minimum confidence score (0..1) for a result to be returned. Defaults to 0.85. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations provided, the description carries full burden. It implies a non-destructive search operation but does not disclose potential behavior such as error handling, pagination, rate limits, or authorization requirements. Basic transparency is present but lacks depth.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is two sentences long, front-loaded with the core purpose, and the second sentence adds value by differentiating from a sibling. No unnecessary words or fluff.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
For a simple search tool with 4 parameters and no output schema, the description is reasonably complete. It covers the main purpose and key sibling differentiation. It could potentially mention more about the return format or default behaviors, but it is sufficient.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
All parameters have descriptions in the schema (100% coverage), and the description does not add significant meaning beyond the schema. It briefly reinforces that 'query' is an alias/AKA and 'lists' map to the sources parameter, but no additional parameter semantics are provided.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states 'Search aliases / AKAs across selected lists' with a specific verb and resource, and explicitly distinguishes from the sibling 'sanctions_screen_entity' by noting that only alias fields are matched.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description provides explicit guidance on when to use this tool over the sibling 'sanctions_screen_entity', citing the scenario where the primary listed name differs sharply from popular spelling. However, it does not mention other potential alternatives or when not to use the tool.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
sanctions_status_summaryAInspect
Counts and last-update timestamps for all four lists in the cache. No screening is performed; this call is free.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
No parameters | |||
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Without annotations, the description discloses that the tool is read-only ('no screening') and free. It specifies what it returns (counts and timestamps), but does not detail caching behavior or data freshness, though this is acceptable for a simple status tool.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is extremely concise—two short sentences that immediately state the purpose and key behavioral traits. No unnecessary words.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the zero-parameter input and simple output (counts and timestamps), the description is fully sufficient. No output schema exists but the implied return is obvious.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The tool has no parameters, so the description does not need to add parameter info. With 100% schema coverage (or rather no parameters to cover), the baseline is 4, and the description does not need to add meaning beyond the schema.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool counts and provides last-update timestamps for all four lists in the cache. It explicitly says 'No screening is performed,' distinguishing it from other sanctions tools that perform screening or entity lookups.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
It mentions the call is free and that no screening is performed, implying it's for cache status checks. However, it does not explicitly state when not to use it or direct to specific alternatives, though the context from sibling names helps.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
search_available_datasetsAInspect
Your guide to LiveDataLink's entire data catalog. Call this FIRST when you're unsure which tool to use, or when the user asks about data availability. LiveDataLink has 177 tools across 50+ data domains: finance (stocks, options), crypto, transportation/FMCSA carriers, property records, weather/air quality, vehicle VIN/recalls, package tracking, local business search, sanctions screening (OFAC SDN, EU, UN, BIS), FEMA disasters and flood data, federal courts (CourtListener), cybersecurity (CVE/CWE/EPSS/CISA KEV), US college metrics (IPEDS), EIA energy data (gasoline, natural gas, electricity, oil supply, renewables), FRED Federal Reserve macroeconomic series (GDP, CPI, fed funds, unemployment, yields), SEC EDGAR filings (10-K, 10-Q, 8-K, insider transactions), and NREL renewable energy (PVWatts solar, utility rates, EV charging stations), US Census demographics, EPA environmental compliance, FEC campaign finance, USPTO patents, IRS nonprofits (Form 990/EO BMF), US caselaw, public-domain books (full-text search), open-access scholarly papers (OpenAlex catalog + arXiv/PMC full-text search), and federal regulations (Federal Register rules/notices + the Code of Federal Regulations). New domains ship weekly based on which queries customers actually run. Returns exact tool names for matched domains AND logs every search to a roadmap database. High-frequency unmet queries jump the build queue. Use this freely; it costs no credits. Call for: 'what data do you have?', 'can you look up X?', 'do you have Y data?', 'what tools are available?', or any data coverage question.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| query | Yes | What data the user is looking for (e.g., 'trucking safety', 'stock prices', 'property records', 'VIN lookup') |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations provided, so the description carries the burden. It discloses that it returns exact tool names, logs searches, and prioritizes unmet queries. It also notes it uses no credits. However, it does not detail rate limits, authentication, or response structure beyond basic return info.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is front-loaded with the key message 'Call this FIRST' and clear usage. The lengthy list of domains is informative but could be slightly trimmed. Overall, it's well-structured and efficient.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the tool's simplicity (one parameter, no output schema), the description is comprehensive. It explains when to call, what the tool covers, how it works (logging and prioritization), and provides examples, leaving no major gaps.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The one parameter 'query' has a schema description. The description adds value by providing concrete examples of queries like 'trucking safety' and 'stock prices', enhancing meaning beyond the schema.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool's purpose: to be a guide to the entire data catalog, used for discovering which tool to use. It uses specific verb 'search' and resource 'available datasets', and distinguishes from siblings by being the first call for data coverage questions.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
Explicitly instructs 'Call this FIRST when you're unsure which tool to use' and provides example user queries like 'what data do you have?'. Also mentions it costs no credits, giving clear when-to-use guidance.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
spending_award_detailsAInspect
Get full detail for one federal award by its award id (the generated id from spending_search_awards): recipient, amount, type, awarding and funding agencies, period of performance, NAICS/PSC, place of performance, and description.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| award_id | Yes | Generated award id from spending_search_awards. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description bears the full burden. It correctly indicates a read-only retrieval with no side effects, but lacks details on error handling, rate limits, or authentication requirements.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is a single, moderately long sentence that efficiently lists included details. While not extremely concise, it front-loads the core purpose and is well-structured for a detail retrieval tool.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given no output schema, the description compensates by enumerating the returned fields (recipient, amount, agencies, etc.), covering the main content. It does not mention pagination or error cases, but for a single-record lookup, completeness is adequate.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The only parameter, award_id, is described identically in both the description and schema. Since schema coverage is 100%, the description adds no extra semantic value beyond stating the parameter's origin.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
Description clearly states the tool retrieves full details for one federal award by its award ID, specifying the source of the ID (spending_search_awards). It lists the types of details included, distinguishing it from sibling tools like spending_search_awards (search) and spending_recipient_summary (summary).
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description implies using spending_search_awards first to obtain the award_id, providing clear prerequisite context. However, it does not explicitly state when not to use this tool or mention alternatives for different needs.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
spending_recipient_summaryAInspect
Summarize a company's federal awards: total dollars and top awards for a recipient name in a category (contracts by default). Useful for due diligence and to see who the government pays.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| limit | No | Top awards to list (default 5, max 25). | |
| category | No | Award category: 'contracts' (default), 'grants', 'loans', or 'other'. | |
| recipient | Yes | Recipient company/org name. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description carries the full burden. It implies a read operation but lacks details on side effects, permissions, rate limits, or whether data is live or cached.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Two concise sentences: first states purpose, second adds a use case. No redundant words.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
The description covers core functionality but omits output format or structure. Since there is no output schema, additional details on the return value would improve completeness.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100% with clear parameter descriptions. The description does not add extra meaning beyond what is in the schema.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states it summarizes federal awards for a recipient, specifying total dollars and top awards, with a default category. It distinguishes itself from siblings like spending_award_details by focusing on summary rather than details.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description provides a use case (due diligence, seeing who government pays) but does not explicitly mention when not to use or suggest alternatives like spending_award_details or spending_search_awards.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
spending_search_awardsAInspect
Search federal awards (contracts, grants, loans) from USAspending.gov by recipient company, keyword, and/or awarding agency, with optional fiscal year and minimum amount. Returns each award's id, recipient, amount, awarding agency, type, start date, and description, sorted by amount.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| limit | No | Max rows (default 10, max 50). | |
| agency | No | Awarding agency name, e.g. 'Department of Defense'. | |
| keyword | No | Free-text keyword across the award. | |
| category | No | Award category: 'contracts' (default), 'grants', 'loans', or 'other'. | |
| recipient | No | Recipient company/org name, e.g. 'Lockheed Martin'. | |
| min_amount | No | Minimum award amount in USD. | |
| fiscal_year | No | Federal fiscal year, e.g. 2024. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description carries full behavioral burden. It discloses the data source, return fields, and sorting, but omits details on rate limits, authentication, or pagination behavior beyond the limit parameter. Adequate for a query tool.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Two sentences, front-loaded with action and criteria, second sentence covers output. No wasted words; every sentence adds value.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
For a search tool with 7 optional parameters and no output schema, the description provides the source, criteria, and return fields. It lacks explicit mention of how multiple criteria combine (likely AND) but is sufficient for typical use.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100%, so the schema already documents each parameter. The description aggregates the criteria into a sentence but does not add new semantic meaning beyond the schema descriptions. Baseline of 3 is appropriate.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool searches federal awards from USAspending.gov by multiple criteria and returns specific fields sorted by amount. It distinguishes itself from siblings like spending_award_details and spending_recipient_summary by focusing on multi-result search.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description lists search criteria (recipient, keyword, agency) and optional filters (fiscal year, min amount), providing clear context for when to use. It does not explicitly state when not to use or name alternatives, but the purpose is well-defined.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
stock_compareAInspect
Compare 2 to 5 stocks side by side. Returns price, daily change, market cap, P/E ratio, dividend yield, volume, 52-week range, sector, revenue, profit margin, EPS, and beta. Use this for "compare Apple and Microsoft", "which is a better investment, NVDA or AMD?", "tech stock comparison", or any stock-vs-stock analysis.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| symbols | Yes | Ticker symbols, 2-5 stocks. Accept either CSV string ("AAPL,MSFT,GOOGL") or array (["AAPL","MSFT","GOOGL"]). |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description carries the full burden. It states what data is returned but does not disclose behavioral traits such as data freshness, rate limits, authentication requirements, or error behavior (e.g., invalid symbols). The description implies read-only use but does not explicitly confirm.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is two sentences plus example queries, all front-loaded with the core purpose. Every sentence adds value; no wasted words.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the tool's simplicity (one parameter, no output schema), the description adequately covers input format and output content. However, it lacks details on error handling, symbol validation, or data source freshness, but these are minor gaps for this type of tool.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100%, and the description adds value by explaining that the 'symbols' parameter accepts a CSV string or array and must include 2-5 stocks. This guidance goes beyond the schema's description and aids correct invocation.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description states 'Compare 2 to 5 stocks side by side' and lists specific metrics returned (price, daily change, market cap, etc.). It includes example queries that clarify the tool's use case, and the name 'stock_compare' distinguishes it from siblings like stock_quote, stock_history, and crypto_compare.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description provides example user queries such as 'compare Apple and Microsoft' and 'which is a better investment, NVDA or AMD?', which imply when to use the tool. However, it does not explicitly state when not to use it (e.g., for single stock data or single metric) or compare against siblings like stock_quote or crypto_compare.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
stock_historyAInspect
Get historical stock price data - open, high, low, close, and volume (OHLCV). Supports intraday (1-minute) through multi-year (5-year, max) ranges. Use this for "how has AAPL performed this year?", "show me the price chart for Tesla", "what was the stock price last month?", "historical performance", or any stock price history question.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| period | No | Time range (default: "1mo") | |
| symbol | Yes | Stock ticker symbol (e.g., "AAPL") | |
| interval | No | Data interval (default: "1d") |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description must carry the full disclosure burden. It mentions support for intraday and multi-year ranges and the type of data returned (OHLCV), but lacks details on behavioral aspects such as data source, timezone, trading day coverage, rate limits, or output structure.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description consists of two sentences and a list of example queries, which is concise. However, the second sentence listing intervals partly duplicates schema enums, and the examples could be more compact. Still, it is well-structured and front-loaded with the core purpose.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
With no output schema, the description should explain return values, which it does not. It covers purpose and usage examples but omits details like data rows, format, or pagination. For a 3-parameter tool, it is minimally adequate but incomplete.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100%, so the schema already documents parameters. The description adds context via example queries but does not significantly elaborate on parameter semantics (e.g., meaning of period values, valid interval combinations). Baseline 3 is appropriate.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the specific verb 'Get' and resource 'historical stock price data', listing the exact fields (OHLCV). It distinguishes itself from siblings like stock_quote (current price) and stock_compare (comparison) by focusing on historical data.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description provides explicit example queries, indicating when to use the tool (e.g., 'how has AAPL performed this year?'). However, it does not mention when not to use it or explicitly name alternatives like stock_quote for real-time data, which would strengthen guidance.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
stock_quoteAInspect
Get a real-time stock price and market data. Returns current price, daily change, volume, market cap, P/E ratio, dividend yield, 52-week high/low, open, and previous close. Use this for "what's the stock price of X?", "how is AAPL doing?", "check the market", "what's Apple trading at?", or any stock/equity price question.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| symbol | Yes | Stock ticker symbol (e.g., "AAPL", "MSFT", "TSLA") |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
The description discloses the output fields (price, change, volume, etc.) and implies real-time behavior. It does not mention rate limits or data delays, but for a simple data retrieval tool without annotations, this is reasonably transparent. No contradiction with annotations as none were provided.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is three sentences: the first defines the tool, the second lists output fields, and the third gives usage examples. It is front-loaded, efficient, and every sentence adds value without redundancy.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the single parameter and absence of an output schema, the description comprehensively lists all returned data fields and provides example queries. It fully covers what the agent needs to know to invoke the tool and interpret results.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The input schema already describes the 'symbol' parameter with examples. The description adds no further meaning beyond what the schema provides. Since schema coverage is 100%, the baseline is 3, and there is no extra semantic value added.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states it gets real-time stock price and market data, and lists specific data fields. It also provides concrete example queries like 'what's the stock price of X?', which leaves no ambiguity about the tool's purpose. It effectively distinguishes from siblings like stock_history and stock_compare by focusing on a single current quote.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description explicitly lists the types of questions the tool answers (e.g., 'what's the stock price of X?'). However, it does not specify when not to use it or compare it to sibling tools. The usage guidance is clear but lacks exclusionary language, which would help an agent avoid misuse.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
stock_quote_batchAInspect
Get real-time stock prices for multiple stocks at once (up to 10). Returns a comparison table with price, daily change, volume, market cap, and P/E. Use this for "show me FAANG stocks", "compare tech stock prices", "how are energy stocks doing?", or any multi-stock price check.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| symbols | Yes | Ticker symbols, max 10. Accept either CSV string ("AAPL,MSFT,GOOGL") or array (["AAPL","MSFT","GOOGL"]). |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations provided, but description discloses that it returns a comparison table with specific fields (price, daily change, volume, market cap, P/E) and indicates real-time data with a limit of 10. Lacks error handling details but sufficient.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Two sentences with no wasted words. Front-loaded with main action and limit, followed by return fields and example queries.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
No output schema, so description compensates by listing return fields and noting it's a comparison table. Could mention error handling, but given typical stock tool needs, it's sufficient.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema already has 100% coverage with description of parameter. The tool description adds examples of accepted formats (CSV string or array) and max count, providing minor added value beyond schema.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states it gets real-time stock prices for multiple stocks (up to 10) and provides example use cases, distinguishing it from single-stock tools like stock_quote.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
Explicitly suggests use for multi-stock queries with examples, and implies limit of 10. Does not explicitly mention when not to use, but context is clear.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
treasury_auctionsAInspect
Recent US Treasury securities auction results: term, CUSIP, issue/maturity dates, high yield, interest rate, bid-to-cover ratio, and amounts. Optionally filter by security type (Bill, Note, Bond, TIPS, FRN).
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| limit | No | Max rows to return. | |
| security_type | No | Filter by security type: 'Bill', 'Note', 'Bond', 'TIPS', 'FRN'. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations provided, so description must carry full burden. It states 'recent' results but does not disclose data freshness, pagination behavior, or any side effects. Limited behavioral disclosure for a data retrieval tool.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Single sentence front-loaded with purpose, but it is somewhat lengthy and could be more concise. Still, conveys essential information efficiently.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given two optional parameters and no output schema, description lists expected return fields (term, CUSIP, dates, yield, bid-to-cover, etc.), making it complete for agent understanding.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema has 100% coverage with descriptions for both parameters. Description mentions security type options, but this is already in schema. No additional meaning beyond what schema provides.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
Description clearly states it returns recent US Treasury securities auction results with specific fields like term, CUSIP, dates, yield, etc. It distinguishes from sibling treasury tools (e.g., treasury_cash_balance, treasury_debt) by focusing on auction results.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
Description mentions optional filtering by security type, providing context for narrowing results. However, it does not explicitly state when to use this tool versus alternatives, though sibling names imply different financial data.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
treasury_cash_balanceAInspect
Daily operating cash balance of the US Treasury (the Treasury General Account, the government's checking account at the Fed), from the Daily Treasury Statement. Values are in millions of dollars.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| limit | No | Max rows to return. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are present, so the description fully carries the burden. It discloses the data source and unit (millions) but lacks details on data range, update frequency, limitations, or any behavioral traits beyond basic output.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is a single concise sentence that efficiently communicates the tool's purpose and key details without unnecessary fluff.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
For a simple tool with no output schema, the description is adequate but lacks context about the return structure, historical depth, or any constraints. It covers the what but not the full operational context.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100% with a single parameter described. The description does not add any extra semantic meaning to the 'limit' parameter beyond what the schema already provides.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool returns the daily operating cash balance of the US Treasury, specifying the exact account (TGA) and data source (Daily Treasury Statement). It differentiates well from sibling treasury tools like treasury_auctions or treasury_debt.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description implies the purpose but provides no explicit guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives. It does not mention prerequisites, common use cases, or when not to use it.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
treasury_debtAInspect
US total public debt outstanding (the 'Debt to the Penny' series from the US Treasury). Returns the most recent figure plus history, split into debt held by the public and intragovernmental holdings. Keyless, official Treasury data.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| limit | No | Max rows to return. | |
| end_date | No | Latest record date (YYYY-MM-DD). | |
| start_date | No | Earliest record date (YYYY-MM-DD). |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Annotations are absent, so the description carries full burden. It correctly implies a read-only operation by stating 'returns' and 'keyless,' but does not disclose rate limits, update frequency, error handling, or pagination behavior. It adds some behavioral context (keyless, official) but is not comprehensive.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Two sentences: first sentence defines the series and source, second describes the output and keyless nature. No wasted words. Front-loaded with core purpose.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the simple nature of the tool (3 optional parameters, no output schema), the description covers the source, output structure, and authentication requirement. Missing details about pagination or error conditions, but overall sufficient for an agent to understand and invoke correctly.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100%, with each parameter described in the schema. The description does not add any meaning beyond what the schema provides (e.g., no explanation of how parameters affect the output). Baseline 3 is appropriate.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the resource (US total public debt outstanding from the 'Debt to the Penny' series) and the verb (returns). It distinguishes from sibling treasury tools like treasury_auctions, treasury_cash_balance, treasury_exchange_rates, and treasury_interest_rates by specifying exactly which dataset is returned.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description gives clear context: 'Returns the most recent figure plus history, split into debt held by the public and intragovernmental holdings.' and notes it is 'Keyless, official Treasury data.' It implies when to use (when needing public debt data) but does not explicitly state when not to use or name alternatives.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
treasury_exchange_ratesAInspect
Official US Treasury Reporting Rates of Exchange (the rates US government agencies use to convert foreign currency balances to dollars). Published quarterly. Provide a country or currency to filter, e.g. 'Canada', 'Euro', 'Yen'.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| limit | No | Max rows to return. | |
| query | No | Country or currency name to match, e.g. 'Canada', 'Euro Zone', 'Japan'. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description carries full burden. It only states the tool is 'official' and updates quarterly. It does not disclose any behavior beyond the core retrieval, such as rate limits, pagination, or data format.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Two concise sentences convey essential information: what the tool returns and how to filter. No superfluous text.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
The description explains the data's origin and usage but does not describe the return structure (e.g., currency pairs, rates). Given no output schema, this omission leaves the agent uncertain about the response format.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100% with clear descriptions. The description adds value by providing concrete examples for the query parameter, aiding interpretation. No additional info for limit parameter, but baseline 3 plus examples justify 4.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool returns 'Official US Treasury Reporting Rates of Exchange', specifies the source (US government agencies), and mentions filtering by country or currency. This distinguishes it from other treasury tools like auctions or debt.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description provides examples of valid filter values (Canada, Euro, Yen) and notes quarterly publication. However, it does not mention the option to retrieve all rates without a filter, nor does it compare to sibling tools (which are different types of data).
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
treasury_interest_ratesAInspect
Average interest rates the US Treasury pays on its marketable and non-marketable securities (Treasury Bills, Notes, Bonds, TIPS, etc.), by month. Optionally filter by security description.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| limit | No | Max rows to return. | |
| security | No | Filter by security type/description, e.g. 'Treasury Notes', 'Bills', 'TIPS'. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations, the description carries full burden for behavioral traits. It only states the tool returns average rates by month with optional filter, but omits data source, update frequency, historical range, or response format. This lack of detail limits transparency.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is a single sentence that efficiently conveys the tool's purpose and optional filter. It is concise without being under-specified, though slightly more structure could improve scannability.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
For a tool with no output schema and two simple parameters, the description is largely complete. However, it lacks details on time range, data recency, or handling of large datasets, leaving minor gaps.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Both parameters have descriptions in the input schema (100% coverage). The tool description adds no additional meaning beyond 'Optionally filter by security description.' This meets the baseline of 3.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool retrieves average interest rates for US Treasury securities by month, with optional filtering. It specifically names the resource (interest rates) and types (Bills, Notes, Bonds, TIPS), distinguishing it from siblings like treasury_auctions or treasury_debt.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description mentions optional filtering but gives no explicit guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives. Siblings include treasury_auctions and treasury_debt; the description does not differentiate contexts, leaving the agent to infer.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
trials_detailsAInspect
Get full detail for one clinical trial by its NCT id (e.g. 'NCT02562313'): title, status, conditions, sponsor, phase, interventions, brief summary, enrollment, start/completion dates, number of sites, and the study URL.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| nct_id | Yes | ClinicalTrials.gov NCT id, e.g. 'NCT02562313'. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description carries the full burden. It describes the output fields (title, status, conditions, etc.) and the input requirement (NCT ID). It does not mention side effects, but as a read operation, this is sufficient. Given the exhaustive list of returned data, transparency is high.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is a single sentence that effectively communicates the tool's purpose, scope, and output. It is front-loaded with the main action and then lists sample fields. No unnecessary words, and the structure is clean.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the simplicity of the tool (one parameter, no output schema), the description is complete. It enumerates the key fields returned, which compensates for the lack of an output schema. The tool's scope is narrow, and the description covers all necessary aspects for an agent to use it correctly.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
There is only one parameter, 'nct_id', and its schema description provides an example ('NCT02562313'). The tool's description also reinforces the parameter's purpose and format. Schema description coverage is 100%, so baseline is 3; the description adds extra context by specifying that the ID is from ClinicalTrials.gov and shows an example, justifying a higher score.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool's purpose: 'Get full detail for one clinical trial by its NCT id'. It lists specific fields returned, making the function unambiguous. The sibling tool 'trials_search' is for searching, so this tool is distinct as a detail fetcher.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description explicitly says when to use the tool: when you have an NCT ID and need full details. It does not mention when not to use it or alternatives, but the context of sibling tools implies a search tool exists for finding trials. This is still clear and adequately guided.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
trials_searchAInspect
Search ClinicalTrials.gov for clinical studies by condition, intervention/drug, sponsor, recruitment status, and/or location. Returns each trial's NCT id, title, status, conditions, lead sponsor, phase, and study type.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| term | No | General search term. | |
| limit | No | Max rows (default 10, max 50). | |
| status | No | Recruitment status, e.g. 'RECRUITING', 'COMPLETED', 'TERMINATED'. | |
| sponsor | No | Sponsor/organization, e.g. 'Pfizer'. | |
| location | No | Location, e.g. 'Houston' or 'Texas'. | |
| condition | No | Disease/condition, e.g. 'breast cancer'. | |
| intervention | No | Drug/intervention, e.g. 'semaglutide'. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description must carry the full burden of behavioral disclosure. It indicates a read-only search operation and lists returned fields, but does not explicitly state that it is idempotent, safe, or whether it has any side effects. The description is adequate but lacks extra behavioral context.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is two sentences long, with the first sentence front-loading the core purpose and the second summarizing return fields. Every word adds value; no unnecessary fluff.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the absence of an output schema, the description adequately lists return fields. It covers search criteria and output. However, it omits details about pagination (beyond the limit parameter), error handling, or how search terms combine. For a search tool with moderate complexity, it is nearly complete but could add a note on combining parameters.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Input schema coverage is 100% with descriptions for all parameters. The description enumerates groups of parameters (e.g., 'by condition, intervention/drug, sponsor') which adds some context, but it does not provide examples, formatting details, or behavioral constraints beyond the schema. Baseline 3 is appropriate since schema already covers parameter meaning.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool searches ClinicalTrials.gov for clinical studies, lists specific searchable criteria (condition, intervention, sponsor, status, location), and provides the exact return fields (NCT id, title, status, etc.). This distinguishes it from the sibling tool 'trials_details' which likely retrieves details for a specific trial.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description implies usage by enumerating search parameters, but it does not explicitly state when to use this tool versus alternatives, nor does it mention when not to use it. Guidance on optimal search strategies or combining parameters is absent.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
usgs_earthquake_detailAInspect
Get full detail for a specific earthquake event by USGS event ID. Returns origin, magnitude details, focal mechanism (if available), shake-map link, felt reports, tsunami flag, and impact estimates.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| event_id | Yes | USGS event ID (e.g. 'us7000m5dt'). Get from feed or search results. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations, the description carries the full burden and explicitly lists the data returned (origin, magnitude, focal mechanism, etc.), giving a good overview of behavior. However, it does not mention response size or any error conditions.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is very concise: two sentences, front-loaded with the action and key content, with no extraneous words.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the tool's simplicity (single parameter, no output schema, no nested objects), the description adequately covers what the tool does, what it returns, and how to get the input. Sibling tools provide context for when to use this one.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100%, and the description adds value by explaining where to obtain the event ID (from feed or search results), which goes beyond the schema's basic description.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the verb 'Get' and the resource 'full detail for a specific earthquake event', distinguishing it from sibling tools like feed and search which are for listing or searching events.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description indicates that the tool requires a USGS event ID and suggests getting it from feed or search results, providing clear context for when to use it. It implicitly excludes use without an event ID.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
usgs_earthquake_feedAInspect
USGS official earthquake summary feed by period and minimum magnitude. period: hour|day|week|month. min_mag: 1.0|2.5|4.5|significant. Returns all events worldwide above the threshold within the period, with magnitude, location, depth, and event detail URL.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| period | No | Time window (default 'day') | |
| min_mag | No | Minimum magnitude threshold (default '2.5') |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations provided, the description carries the full burden of behavioral disclosure. It explicitly states the scope ('all events worldwide'), the threshold filtering, and the returned fields. However, it omits important behavioral details such as whether results are paginated, ordered by time or magnitude, or subject to any rate limits. The description gives a reasonable overview but is incomplete for an agent needing to handle large result sets or understand performance characteristics.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is extremely concise: two sentences covering source, parameters, behavior, and output fields. There is no redundancy or filler. Every word earns its place, making it easy for an agent to parse quickly.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the tool's simplicity (two parameters, no nested objects, no output schema), the description is largely complete. It names the data source, describes the filtering, and lists the output fields. It could be improved by mentioning whether results are sorted (e.g., by time descending) or if there is a maximum number of events returned, but for a summary feed, the current level of detail is sufficient for most agents.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100% because both parameters have enum values and descriptions in the schema. The description adds value by explaining the combined effect of the parameters: 'Returns all events worldwide above the threshold within the period.' It also presents the enum options compactly. This goes beyond just restating schema types, providing functional context on how the parameters interact to shape the result set.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly identifies the tool as the USGS official earthquake summary feed, specifying the two key filtering dimensions (period and minimum magnitude) and the returned data fields (magnitude, location, depth, URL). However, it does not explicitly differentiate from sibling tools like 'usgs_earthquake_search' or 'earthquake_recent', leaving the agent to infer when to use this feed vs. other earthquake tools.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
There is no guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives. The description does not mention prerequisites, common use cases, or situations where a different tool (e.g., 'usgs_earthquake_search' for specific locations or 'usgs_earthquake_detail' for a single event) would be more appropriate. This lack of contextual advice forces the agent to rely on trial and error.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
usgs_earthquake_searchAInspect
Custom earthquake search via USGS fdsnws. Filter by magnitude, time range, and lat/lon bounding box. Returns up to 100 events sorted by time. Use this for analytical queries instead of the feed when you need historical or geographic filtering.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| limit | No | Max results (default 25, max 100) | |
| end_time | No | ISO date or full datetime | |
| start_time | No | ISO date or full datetime YYYY-MM-DD[THH:MM:SS] | |
| max_latitude | No | Bounding box north | |
| min_latitude | No | Bounding box south | |
| max_longitude | No | Bounding box east | |
| min_longitude | No | Bounding box west | |
| min_magnitude | No | Minimum magnitude (e.g. 4.5) |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations, the description bears full responsibility. It discloses the return limit (up to 100 events) and sorting (by time), which are key behaviors. However, it does not specify default limit (25 from schema) or whether filters are combined with AND/OR logic, leaving minor gaps.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Two sentences: first declares purpose and parameters, second gives usage guidance. No wasted words. Front-loaded with action and resource, making it easy to scan.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
For a search tool with 8 parameters and no output schema, the description covers the main use case, filtering capabilities, and result limit. It could mention default values or response structure, but overall it provides sufficient context for an agent to choose and invoke the tool.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100% so baseline is 3. The description adds a summary of filter groups ('magnitude, time range, and lat/lon bounding box') but does not provide additional semantic details beyond the schema's field descriptions, which are already clear.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states it is a 'custom earthquake search via USGS fdsnws' with specific filters (magnitude, time range, lat/lon bounding box) and output characteristics (up to 100 events sorted by time). It distinguishes itself from the sibling tool 'usgs_earthquake_feed' by specifying its use for analytical queries with historical or geographic filtering.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
Explicitly says 'Use this for analytical queries instead of the feed when you need historical or geographic filtering.' This tells the agent when to prefer this tool over the feed alternative, providing clear context for tool selection.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
usgs_water_realtimeAInspect
Real-time water data from USGS NWIS streamgages. Filter by site code, state, or parameter (e.g. '00060' = streamflow cfs, '00065' = gage height ft). Useful for flood-stage monitoring, drought tracking, and hydrological research.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| sites | No | Comma-separated USGS site codes (e.g. '01646500') | |
| state_cd | No | Two-letter state code; returns all active sites in the state | |
| parameter_cd | No | USGS parameter code (default '00060' streamflow). Common: 00060=streamflow, 00065=gage height, 00010=water temp, 00400=pH |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description must fully disclose behavioral traits. It mentions the data source (USGS NWIS) and real-time nature but does not detail limitations (e.g., data recency, pagination, rate limits, or that only active sites are returned).
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is two sentences, front-loading the purpose and key filters, with a second sentence for use cases. No wasted words, every line earns its place.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
The description is adequate for a simple query tool but lacks details about the output format (e.g., JSON, fields returned) and potential constraints. No output schema exists, so the description should compensate; it does not mention response structure.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100%, providing baseline 3. The description adds value by listing common parameter codes with their meanings and units (e.g., '00060' = streamflow cfs, '00065' = gage height ft), enhancing understanding beyond the schema.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool provides 'real-time water data from USGS NWIS streamgages' with specific filtering options. The verb 'filter' and resource 'water data' are specific, and the tool is distinct from sibling tools like usgs_earthquake_*.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description notes use cases ('flood-stage monitoring, drought tracking, and hydrological research') but does not explicitly state when to use this tool over alternatives or provide exclusions. Context is given but lacks comparative guidance.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
vehicle_recallsAInspect
Check for safety recalls on a vehicle by year, make, and model. Returns all NHTSA recall campaigns including affected component, description, safety risk, and recommended remedy. Use this for 'are there recalls on my car?', 'check recalls for 2020 Toyota Camry', 'is this vehicle safe?', 'any open recalls?', or any vehicle recall check. Covers all US vehicles from all manufacturers.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| make | Yes | Vehicle make (e.g., 'Toyota', 'Ford') | |
| year | Yes | Model year (e.g., 2020) | |
| model | Yes | Vehicle model (e.g., 'Camry', 'F-150') |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations provided, so description carries full burden. It states it returns recall details but does not explicitly state it is read-only or non-destructive. Adequate but leaves uncertainty about side effects.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Two sentences plus a list of examples. Front-loaded with the main action and parameters. No redundant information. Every element earns its place.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the tool's simplicity (3 parameters, no output schema), the description covers purpose, parameters, and return content. It also clarifies scope ('all US vehicles'). Complete for the use case.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Input schema has 100% coverage with descriptions for each parameter. The description adds example values but no additional semantics beyond the schema. Baseline score of 3 is appropriate.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
Clearly states it checks for safety recalls by year, make, and model. Differentiates from sibling tools like vin_decode by specifying NHTSA recall campaigns. Examples solidify the purpose.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
Provides specific example queries ('are there recalls on my car?', 'check recalls for 2020 Toyota Camry'). No explicit when-not-to-use, but the description implies it's the only tool for recalls. Could mention limitations like US-only.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
vin_decodeAInspect
Decode a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to get full vehicle specifications. Returns year, make, model, trim, body style, engine specs (cylinders, displacement, HP), drivetrain, transmission, fuel type, doors, manufacturer, and assembly plant location. Use this for 'decode this VIN', 'what car is this VIN?', 'look up a VIN number', 'what are the specs on this vehicle?', 'identify this car', or any VIN lookup. Works for all US vehicles - cars, trucks, SUVs, motorcycles, trailers.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| vin | Yes | 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description must cover behavioral traits. It discloses the tool is a read operation but lacks details on error handling, rate limits, or validation of VIN format beyond '17 characters'. It is minimally transparent.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is four sentences, listing returned fields and examples without redundancy. It could be slightly more concise but is well-structured and front-loaded with key information.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the tool's simplicity (1 required parameter, no output schema), the description covers the purpose, example usage, and scope. It lacks details on return structure but is sufficiently complete for an agent to understand when to use it.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100% with one parameter 'vin' described as '17-character VIN'. The description does not add semantic information beyond what the schema provides, so baseline score of 3 is appropriate.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly explains that the tool decodes a VIN to return full vehicle specifications, listing many specific data points. It differentiates from sibling tools like vehicle_recalls by focusing on VIN decoding.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description provides example queries and states 'Use this for...' but does not explicitly mention when not to use or alternative tools. However, no sibling tool directly competes, so the guidance is adequate.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
weather_currentAInspect
Get current weather conditions for any location worldwide. Returns temperature, feels-like, humidity, wind speed and direction, cloud cover, pressure, precipitation, UV index, and visibility. Use this for 'what's the weather?', 'is it raining in Houston?', 'how hot is it outside?', 'what's the temperature in New York?', 'do I need a jacket?', or any current weather question. Works for any city, zip code, or place name globally.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| location | Yes | City, zip code, or place name (e.g., 'Houston, TX', '77001', 'Paris') |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations provided, so description carries full burden. It states the returned fields and global scope (any city, zip code, place). Does not disclose potential errors, authentication, or rate limits. Adequately covers scope but lacks behavioral detail beyond returned data.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Concise, front-loaded with main purpose, then lists return fields, then example queries. Every sentence adds value with no redundancy.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given simple tool with one parameter and no output schema, description is fairly complete: explains purpose, return fields, example usage, and scope. Could mention error handling for unknown locations.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Input schema already describes the 'location' parameter with examples (100% coverage). Description reinforces 'any city, zip code, or place name globally' but adds no new meaning beyond the schema.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
Clearly states it gets current weather conditions, lists specific data points returned, and the verb 'Get' with resource 'current weather conditions' is specific. Distinguishes from sibling 'weather_forecast' by focus on current conditions.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
Provides example queries that imply current weather questions, but does not explicitly state when not to use (e.g., for forecasts) or name alternatives. Context is clear but lacks exclusion guidance.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
weather_forecastAInspect
Get a multi-day weather forecast for any location worldwide. Returns daily high/low temperatures, conditions, precipitation probability, wind speed, UV index, sunrise and sunset. Use this for 'what's the forecast this week?', 'will it rain tomorrow?', 'weekend weather', 'should I plan outdoor activities?', '7-day forecast for Dallas', or any future weather question. Supports 1-16 day forecasts.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| days | No | Forecast days (default: 7) | |
| location | Yes | City, zip code, or place name |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations, the description covers output data but lacks additional behavioral context such as data source, update frequency, rate limits, or any potential limitations.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is single paragraph but information-dense and front-loaded with purpose, then examples. It could be slightly more structured but is concise overall.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
For a simple tool with 2 parameters and no output schema, the description lists return values adequately. However, it could specify units (e.g., temperature in Celsius/Fahrenheit) or time format.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Input schema has 100% coverage, so description does not add significant new meaning beyond the schema; it mentions 'default: 7' for days but that is implicit from schema's minimum/default.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states it provides multi-day weather forecasts with specific data points (high/low temps, conditions, precipitation, etc.) and distinguishes itself from siblings like weather_current and air_quality through example queries.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description includes example queries that imply appropriate use cases (forecast planning), but does not explicitly state when not to use it (e.g., for current conditions vs. weather_current sibling).
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
worldbank_compareAInspect
Compare the most recent value of a World Bank indicator across multiple countries (up to 6). Provide a comma-separated list of country codes or names.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| countries | Yes | Comma-separated country codes/names, e.g. 'US,CN,DE,JP'. | |
| indicator | No | Indicator name (one of: gdp, gdp_per_capita, gdp_growth, inflation, population, unemployment, life_expectancy, exports, imports, gni_per_capita, poverty_rate, internet_users) or a raw WB code. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, and the description only states 'Compare the most recent value,' lacking details on data freshness, error handling, rate limits, or what happens if countries are invalid. The tool is a read operation, but behavioral traits are underexplained.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Two concise sentences with no redundant information, front-loaded with the verb and resource.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
The description is adequate for a simple compare tool but lacks details about the output format or structure, which is not provided by an output schema. It covers the input well but omits what the result looks like.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The description adds value beyond the schema by clarifying that countries can be codes or names and that indicator can be a readable name or raw WB code, enhancing parameter understanding.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
Description clearly states the tool compares the most recent value of a World Bank indicator across multiple countries (up to 6), which is specific and distinguishes it from sibling tools that focus on single countries or indicators.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
Description explains when to use (compare indicator values across countries) and provides constraints (up to 6 countries, comma-separated list), but does not explicitly mention when not to use or list alternatives like worldbank_country_profile or worldbank_indicator.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
worldbank_country_profileAInspect
Snapshot of a country's key development indicators (GDP, GDP per capita, growth, inflation, population, unemployment, life expectancy), each at its most recent available year.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| country | No | Country ISO2/ISO3 code or name (default 'US'). |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations provided, the description alone must disclose behavioral traits. It explains the tool returns indicators at the most recent year, which is transparent. However, it does not mention data limitations, frequency of updates, or any potential errors for missing country data. This is adequate but not rich in behavioral context.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is a single, well-structured sentence that front-loads the purpose and lists key indicators. No unnecessary words. Every element earns its place.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the simplicity (one parameter, no output schema or annotations), the description is minimally adequate. It lists the indicators but does not specify the output format, data source, or potential edge cases (e.g., unavailable indicators). A bit more context would improve completeness, but it is not critically incomplete.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100% for the single parameter 'country', which is already described. The tool description adds no further semantic detail about the parameter beyond listing the indicators, which is about the output, not the parameter itself. Baseline 3 applies.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool provides a 'snapshot of a country's key development indicators' and lists specific indicators like GDP, inflation, etc. The verb 'snapshot' accurately conveys a single-point-in-time view, and it specifies 'most recent available year.' This distinguishes it from sibling tools like worldbank_compare.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description offers no explicit guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives. It does not mention prerequisites, exclusions, or scenarios like comparing multiple countries. Usage context is only implied by the word 'snapshot'.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
worldbank_indicatorAInspect
Time series for a World Bank development indicator for one country. Friendly indicators: gdp, gdp_per_capita, gdp_growth, inflation, population, unemployment, life_expectancy, exports, imports, gni_per_capita, poverty_rate, internet_users (or pass a raw World Bank code). Country accepts ISO2/ISO3 codes or common names (e.g. 'US', 'China', 'Germany'). Keyless, official World Bank data.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| country | No | Country ISO2/ISO3 code or name (default 'US'). Use 'WLD' for world. | |
| end_year | No | End year (optional). | |
| indicator | No | Indicator name (one of: gdp, gdp_per_capita, gdp_growth, inflation, population, unemployment, life_expectancy, exports, imports, gni_per_capita, poverty_rate, internet_users) or a raw WB code. | |
| start_year | No | Start year (optional). |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations provided. Description mentions 'Keyless, official World Bank data' implying read-only, but lacks details on rate limits, data freshness, pagination, or return format. Adequate for a simple data retrieval tool but minimal behavioral disclosure.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Two concise sentences. First sentence states purpose, second provides key details. No unnecessary information; front-loaded and efficient.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
No output schema, so description does not explain return values. However, for a simple time series tool, the description covers input and purpose sufficiently. Could mention date range structure of output.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100% with descriptions for all parameters. Description adds value by listing friendly indicator names and explaining country accepts ISO2/ISO3 codes or common names, including the use of 'WLD' for world.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
Description explicitly states 'Time series for a World Bank development indicator for one country', lists friendly indicator names, and explains country input formats, clearly differentiating from sibling tools like worldbank_compare.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
Provides examples of friendly indicators and country codes but does not explicitly state when to use this tool vs alternatives. Context implies single-country single-indicator use, but no direct guidance on when not to use.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
Claim this connector by publishing a /.well-known/glama.json file on your server's domain with the following structure:
{
"$schema": "https://glama.ai/mcp/schemas/connector.json",
"maintainers": [{ "email": "your-email@example.com" }]
}The email address must match the email associated with your Glama account. Once published, Glama will automatically detect and verify the file within a few minutes.
Control your server's listing on Glama, including description and metadata
Access analytics and receive server usage reports
Get monitoring and health status updates for your server
Feature your server to boost visibility and reach more users
For users:
Full audit trail – every tool call is logged with inputs and outputs for compliance and debugging
Granular tool control – enable or disable individual tools per connector to limit what your AI agents can do
Centralized credential management – store and rotate API keys and OAuth tokens in one place
Change alerts – get notified when a connector changes its schema, adds or removes tools, or updates tool definitions, so nothing breaks silently
For server owners:
Proven adoption – public usage metrics on your listing show real-world traction and build trust with prospective users
Tool-level analytics – see which tools are being used most, helping you prioritize development and documentation
Direct user feedback – users can report issues and suggest improvements through the listing, giving you a channel you would not have otherwise
The connector status is unhealthy when Glama is unable to successfully connect to the server. This can happen for several reasons:
The server is experiencing an outage
The URL of the server is wrong
Credentials required to access the server are missing or invalid
If you are the owner of this MCP connector and would like to make modifications to the listing, including providing test credentials for accessing the server, please contact support@glama.ai.
Discussions
No comments yet. Be the first to start the discussion!
Your Connectors
Sign in to create a connector for this server.