search_whistleblower_awards

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

With no annotations, the description carries the full burden of behavioral disclosure. It does not mention that this is a read-only operation, what the response shape looks like, or any pagination behavior. It only restates the search capability already implied by the name.

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 wasted words. It effectively communicates the core purpose and main filter dimensions.

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 7 parameters, no output schema, and no annotations. The description is too minimal to provide complete guidance for an agent to correctly invoke it, especially for the undocumented min/max amount parameters and expected result format. The moderate schema coverage does not compensate for the lack of contextual detail.

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 names fiscal year, amount, and summary as filter criteria, which partially maps to the parameters. However, it does not explain the min/max amount fields or the ILIKE pattern matching for award_order_no and public_summary. Schema coverage is 57%, so the description adds some meaning but leaves gaps.

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 SEC whistleblower award orders, a specific and identifiable resource. It also mentions the searchable dimensions (fiscal year, amount, summary), which distinguishes it from other SEC 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?

The description provides no guidance on when to use this tool versus the many sibling search tools, nor does it mention any alternatives or exclusions. The usage context is only implied by the tool's name and the description's basic purpose.

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