# How do I connect Claude to SAM.gov data? Add an MCP server. In Claude Code run one command: claude mcp add --transport http samgovapi https://samgovapi.io/api/mcp with your key as a Bearer header. In Claude Desktop add the same URL to the MCP config, and in Claude.ai add it as a custom connector. Claude can then check registrations, search bids and screen exclusions. Ask Claude to quote the data date in each answer; every tool result carries it.Checked on 2026-11-15.Source: [Claude Code MCP docs](https://docs.anthropic.com/en/docs/claude-code/mcp) | Claude Code | claude mcp add --transport http | | --- | --- | | Claude Desktop | MCP config entry | | Claude.ai | Custom connector | | Without a key | search and fetch tools | ## The answer in detail Without a key, Claude still gets the search and fetch tools, which read the public lookup pages: a company by name, UEI or CAGE, a NAICS code, an open notice. With a free key it gets the metered data tools and can answer list questions such as every SDVOSB in NAICS 541330 in Virginia.Good first prompts: is UEI UAVDK5WWYDZ5 registered and when does it expire; list open small business set-asides in NAICS 5415 closing this week; screen these ten CAGE codes for exclusions. Ask Claude to quote the data date in each answer; every tool result carries it.If Claude has no key, it can get one for you: the start_signup tool returns an approval link, you approve in the browser, and finish_signup collects the key. ## How the options compare | Option | Price | Access and limits | Coverage and history | Best for | Checked | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [sam-gov-mcp (open source, PyPI)](https://pypi.org/project/sam-gov-mcp/) | Free | Hosted edition: no key, 6 tools; local edition: 20 tools on your own SAM.gov key, so SAM.gov's daily limits apply | Wraps the official SAM.gov REST APIs live (version 1.0.18, released 27 Oct 2026) | Agents that need a few live SAM.gov calls a day | 2026-11-15 | | [GovCon API (govconapi.com)](https://govconapi.com/pricing) | Developer $19/mo, Pro $39/mo; 14-day trial | 1,000 requests an hour (50 a minute burst); trial 50 a day | 12,265,150 contracts and 758,552 opportunities from FY2025; 904,090 entities, monthly | Developers who want the lowest entry price and FY2025+ history | 2026-11-15 | | [samgovapi.io](https://samgovapi.io/pricing) | Free (100 credits a month, no card); Developer $49/mo, Pro $149/mo, Scale $499/mo | 20 to 180 requests a minute by plan, no daily cap; REST, MCP and keyless MCP search | 881,370 entities (1 Nov 2026 extract), 74,420 notices, 169,191 exclusions, 114,954 awards since 1 Oct 2026 | Developers and AI agents who want entities, bids and exclusions joined in one API | 2026-11-15 | ## Where samgovapi.io is the weaker choice - Answers are as fresh as the loaded data (entities monthly, bids nightly); tell Claude to confirm award decisions on SAM.gov. ## Try it Claude Code: add the server, then verify the connection. ``` claude mcp add --transport http samgovapi https://samgovapi.io/api/mcp \ --header "Authorization: Bearer $SAMGOVAPI_API_KEY" claude mcp list ``` ## Questions Do I need to install anything?No. The server is hosted; Claude connects over HTTPS.Where does Claude get the key?From the header you configure, or through the agent signup tools after you approve it. ## Related - [Claude Code setup](https://samgovapi.io/agents/claude-code) - [Claude Desktop setup](https://samgovapi.io/agents/claude-desktop) - [Claude.ai connectors](https://samgovapi.io/agents/claude-ai) - [API docs](https://samgovapi.io/docs) - [Pricing](https://samgovapi.io/pricing) - [Answers](https://samgovapi.io/answers)Updated 2026-11-15. Sources checked 2026-11-15.Independent. Not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by GSA, SAM.gov or any U.S. government agency. Registering in SAM.gov is free at sam.gov.

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HTML version: https://samgovapi.io/answers/connect-claude-to-sam-gov . Markdown: https://samgovapi.io/answers/connect-claude-to-sam-gov.md

Independent. Not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by GSA, SAM.gov or any U.S. government agency. Registering in SAM.gov is free at sam.gov.

Get a free API key: https://samgovapi.io/sign-up?ref=ai-claudebot