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cliwant

mcp-sam-gov

by cliwant

fed_register_public_inspection

Read-only

Retrieve documents filed with the Federal Register but not yet published, including lead days and filing type, to preview upcoming regulations before official publication.

Instructions

Federal Register PUBLIC INSPECTION desk — documents FILED with the Office of the Federal Register but NOT YET published (a pre-publication LEADING INDICATOR, ~1-to-several days ahead of the official publication_date). mode: 'current' (all on inspection now), 'date' (a specific available_on day), 'search' (full-text over the on-inspection set). Returns per-doc leadDays (pre-publication head-start), filing_type special-vs-regular, and unflattened agencies. NOTE: a public-inspection doc is NOT the authoritative published rule (no FR citation/page yet; may change or be withdrawn) — after publication_date cross-check fed_register_get_document.

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
dateNoYYYY-MM-DD; REQUIRED iff mode='date'. Rides conditions[available_on] as a query param (never a path segment). Validated (real calendar date, 1994..currentYear+1) before any fetch.
modeNoRetrieval surface (default current): 'current' = all documents on public inspection now; 'date' = a specific inspection day (requires `date`); 'search' = server-side full-text over the on-inspection set (via `term`).
termNoFull-text query; VALID only in mode='search'. Rides conditions[term] (server-side).
typeNoClient-side document-type filter (applied in all modes).
limitNoPage size (default 20).
agencyNoClient-side agency-slug filter; matches ANY of a doc's agencies[].slug. Resolve slugs via fed_register_list_agencies.
offsetNoPage offset (default 0).
specialOnlyNoClient-side filter keeping only filing_type='special' (off-cycle/emergency — a stronger, sooner signal).
Behavior5/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

Annotations declare readOnlyHint and openWorldHint. The description adds critical behavioral context: docs are pre-publication, no FR citation/page, may change/withdraw, returns leadDays and filing_type (special vs regular). 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.

Conciseness5/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

Concisely front-loads the core concept (leading indicator, ~1-to-several days ahead). Each sentence serves a purpose: mode explanation, return fields, limitations, cross-references. No wasted words.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness5/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

No output schema, but description explains key return fields (leadDays, filing_type, agencies). It covers prerequisites (agency slugs via fed_register_list_agencies) and cautions on authoritative status. Complete for the tool's complexity and sibling context.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters4/5

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 significant meaning: explains modes in depth, conditionality of date, notes that date rides conditions[available_on], and describes specialOnly filter as a stronger signal. This goes beyond schema descriptions.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description clearly states the tool accesses Federal Register Public Inspection documents (filed but not yet published), a pre-publication leading indicator. It distinguishes three modes (current, date, search) and contrasts with the authoritative fed_register_get_document, ensuring the agent understands its unique role.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines5/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

Explicitly explains when to use the tool (for early signals before official publication) and when not to (do not treat as authoritative; may change/withdraw). Recommends cross-checking with fed_register_get_document after publication and references fed_register_list_agencies for agency-slug resolution.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

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