# FOIA.gov MCP for AI Agents AI Agent Connect > FOIA.gov MCP lets you query US government transparency data. It lets your agent find agency components, grab request form structures, and pull annual reports directly from FOIA.gov to help with public records research. ## Overview - **Category:** knowledge-management - **Price:** Free - **Endpoint:** https://edge.vinkius.com/vk_preview_QVJ73jQfdjJfOUeBAPUp0dxxpvTDMFeaMaalwTc0/ai-agent-connect - **Tags:** transparency, public-records, legal-data, agency-reporting, document-management ## Description Navigating the maze of US government records is usually a headache of bookmarks and manual searching. You have to figure out which specific agency component handles what, then find the exact form they want you to fill out. This Connector changes that by letting your AI client do the heavy lifting. Instead of clicking through endless directory pages, you can just ask your agent to find the right office or pull the specific data fields required for a request. It handles the messy mapping of UUIDs and component details so you don't have to. Since Vinkius makes it easy to connect these tools, you can jump straight from a research question to getting the actual data. It's about moving from "how do I find this?" to "give me the data" in one go. Whether you're looking for transparency metrics in an XML report or just need to see what a specific department's request form looks like, this tool puts the FOIA.gov database into a conversational format. ## Tools ### list_agency_components Lists all FOIA agency components with support for sparse fieldsets. You can quickly see the scope of government offices. ### get_agency_component_request_form Grabs the specific structure and fields for a component's request form. It helps you know exactly what to submit. ### get_agency_component Fetches deep metadata for a specific agency component using its UUID. Use this to get the nitty-gritty details on a single office. ### get_annual_report_xml Pulls an agency's annual report in XML format. It's the best way to get raw data for large-scale analysis. ## Prompt Examples **Prompt:** ``` Which agency handles records for offshore wind farm permits? ``` **Response:** ``` I've searched the FOIA.gov components. The Department of Energy (DOE) handles most records related to offshore wind. Would you like me to find the specific sub-component for permits? ``` **Prompt:** ``` What fields do I need for a FOIA request to the DOJ? ``` **Response:** ``` For the Department of Justice, the request form typically requires: * **Description of Records** * **Fee Waiver Request** * **Expedited Processing** I can pull the full JSON schema for these fields if you're building a submission. ``` **Prompt:** ``` Can you get the 2022 annual report for the DHS? ``` **Response:** ``` I've retrieved the 2022 Annual FOIA Report for the Department of Homeland Security in XML format. It includes data on request volume, processing times, and pending requests. ``` ## Capabilities ### List all FOIA agency components Your agent can scan the full list of government offices to find the right department for your records. ### Fetch specific agency component metadata Get the deep technical details and metadata for a specific agency branch using its unique ID. ### Grab FOIA request form structures See exactly what fields a specific agency requires so you can submit a valid request on the first try. ### Pull agency annual reports in XML Download raw annual transparency reports in XML format for large-scale data analysis. ### Filter components by title or abbreviation Narrow down the list of government agencies using specific keywords or official abbreviations. ## Use Cases ### Finding the right office A journalist asks which agency handles "drone flight logs." The agent uses list_agency_components to find the correct department. ### Preparing a legal request A lawyer needs to know the exact fields for a DOJ request. The agent uses get_agency_component_request_form to provide the schema. ### Analyzing transparency A researcher wants to see DOJ trends. The agent uses get_annual_report_xml to pull the 2021 report for analysis. ### Deep diving into metadata A user needs specific UUID details for a small agency branch. The agent uses get_agency_component to fetch it. ## Benefits - Stop manual searching by using list_agency_components to find the right office instantly. - Ensure filing accuracy by grabbing exact form fields with get_agency_component_request_form. - Get raw data for analysis by pulling XML files via get_annual_report_xml. - Save time on research by using get_agency_component to see deep metadata in one go. - Skip the bookmarks by letting your agent navigate the FOIA.gov API directly. ## How It Works The bottom line is you get direct access to government transparency data without the manual search. 1. Get your FOIA.gov API key from the developer portal. 2. Add the Connector to your client via the Vinkius dashboard. 3. Ask your agent to find specific agency data or report files. ## Frequently Asked Questions **Can the FOIA.gov MCP find specific government offices?** Yes, it lets your agent search the entire list of FOIA agency components so you can find the exact office responsible for your records. **How does the FOIA.gov MCP help with legal requests?** It pulls the specific form structures for different agencies. This ensures your request meets their unique requirements the first time you submit it. **Can I use the FOIA.gov MCP to get data for my own research?** Absolutely. You can pull annual reports in XML format, which is perfect for tracking transparency metrics or analyzing government data over time. **Does the FOIA.gov MCP search all government websites?** It specifically connects to the FOIA.gov API, which is the primary hub for Freedom of Information Act data across all US agencies. **What kind of data does the FOIA.gov MCP provide?** It provides agency metadata, specific request form requirements, and annual transparency reports in XML format. **How can I find the specific requirements for filing a FOIA request with an agency?** You can use the `get_agency_component_request_form` tool with the agency's UUID. It will return the full structure of the form, including all required fields and instructions. **Is it possible to list all sub-components of a major government agency?** Yes. Use `list_agency_components` and you can include the parent agency information to filter or identify all components belonging to a specific department. **Can I access the raw annual transparency reports for data analysis?** Absolutely. The `get_annual_report_xml` tool allows you to fetch the official NIEM-standard XML reports for any agency and year (e.g., DOJ, 2021).