How to Use the HigherGov MCP in VS Code Copilot
Standardize federal procurement research. Deploy the HigherGov MCP Server in VS Code Copilot across your entire engineering team.
Works with every AI agent you already use
…and any MCP-compatible client
Connect HigherGov MCP to VS Code Copilot
Create your Vinkius account to connect HigherGov to VS Code Copilot and route execution through our secure gateway. The platform manages server hosting, runtime updates, and security layers. Configuration requires no manual server provisioning.
Centralize procurement data in VS Code
Manage your team's research tools via a shared `.vscode/mcp.json` file. This ensures every developer uses the same `list_agencies` and `list_contracts` definitions. It eliminates configuration drift across your organization. Your team stays focused on building features rather than debugging local tool setups.
Integrate federal data into CI/CD pipelines
Use the server to pull data during your automated test or build phases. By calling `list_opportunities` through the agent, you can validate your bid strategy against live federal inputs. This moves your procurement intelligence into the dev workflow. You get immediate feedback on contract availability without leaving the editor.
Fetch detailed grant and contract records
Get deep insight into federal funding by calling `get_contract` or `get_grant` directly from the chat interface. You see the specific awardee and performance details instantly. This level of granularity is vital for high-stakes bidding. Your team works with verified data, reducing the risk of basing decisions on outdated information.
Set up HigherGov MCP in VS Code Copilot
Prerequisites
- VS Code 1.99 or later with GitHub Copilot extension
- Active Vinkius subscription with a valid endpoint token
- 1
Open MCP configuration
Open the Command Palette (
Cmd+Shift+P/Ctrl+Shift+P) and run "MCP: Add Server". Select HTTP (Streamable) as the server type. VS Code will create.vscode/mcp.jsonin your workspace. - 2
Add the HigherGov MCP
Paste the JSON snippet shown on the right into your
.vscode/mcp.json. Replace[YOUR_TOKEN_HERE]with your endpoint token from cloud.vinkius.com. - 3
Switch to Agent mode
Open Copilot Chat (
Cmd+Shift+I/Ctrl+Shift+I) and switch to Agent mode using the dropdown. MCP tools are only available in Agent mode — they do not appear in Edit or Ask modes. - 4
Verify the connection
In the Copilot Chat input, type
#to list available tools. You should see the HigherGov tools listed. Try asking: "List my recent HigherGov transactions" and Copilot will invoke them automatically.
{
"mcpServers": {
"highergov-mcp": {
"url": "https://edge.vinkius.com/[YOUR_TOKEN_HERE]/mcp"
}
}
}Independent Platform Disclaimer: Vinkius is an independent platform and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, verified by, or otherwise authorized by HigherGov. All third-party trademarks, logos, and brand names are the property of their respective owners. Their use on this website is strictly for informational purposes to identify service compatibility and interoperability.
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Common questions about HigherGov MCP in VS Code Copilot
Use it with your favorite AI tools
Connect this server to Cursor, Claude, VS Code, and more.
Start using the HigherGov MCP today
We host it, we monitor it, we maintain it. You just paste one token.
