Search user files MCP tool

• MCP tool name: Search_User_Files
• Data type: User file data type
• Returns: User file MCP response
• Search modes: Keyword, Semantic
• Annotations: Read only, not destructive, idempotent, closed world
• Surfaces: GovTribe AI, GovTribe MCP, GovTribe Compact MCP server (through Invoke Search Tool)

Examples

When fields_to_return is omitted, results include govtribe_id, name, folder_id, compact folder metadata, and pursuit_id. Include these folder and pursuit fields explicitly when using a custom projection, and add pursuit when you need the linked pursuit's name. Root files have null folder fields; an unresolved assigned folder retains its ID with null metadata. To organize results, follow Organize user files with folders.

Use these examples as task-shaped tool calls. Examples may combine query, search_mode, filters, sorting, returned fields, resolver calls, and aggregations. When an example resolves a related record first, pass the returned govtribe_id into the target search.

When the hosted shell needs a returned file, pass its govtribe_id to Add_To_Container as govtribe_type: user_file. The User File only needs to be accessible in the current workspace; it does not need another upload to the current conversation.

Which user files mention facility modernization?

{
  "tool": "Search_User_Files",
  "arguments": {
    "query": "facility modernization",
    "search_mode": "keyword",
    "fields_to_return": [
      "govtribe_id",
      "name",
      "description",
      "updated_at",
      "govtribe_ai_summary"
    ]
  }
}

Which user files exactly mention "technical support services"?

{
  "tool": "Search_User_Files",
  "arguments": {
    "query": "\"technical support services\"",
    "search_mode": "keyword",
    "fields_to_return": [
      "govtribe_id",
      "name",
      "description",
      "govtribe_ai_summary",
      "updated_at"
    ]
  }
}

Which user files are conceptually related to cybersecurity modernization?

{
  "tool": "Search_User_Files",
  "arguments": {
    "query": "cybersecurity modernization, zero trust upgrades, network defense services",
    "search_mode": "semantic",
    "fields_to_return": [
      "govtribe_id",
      "name",
      "govtribe_ai_summary",
      "description",
      "updated_at"
    ]
  }
}

Which of my files have I favorited?

Pass favorited: true to limit results to team files you have favorited. The filter scopes the favorite to you, not the file's uploader, so it can return a teammate's file that you saved. Records enter that list through Set favorite or the heart control in GovTribe Web. Only true is supported; omit the argument to search everything.

{
  "tool": "Search_User_Files",
  "arguments": {
    "favorited": true,
    "fields_to_return": [
      "govtribe_id",
      "name"
    ]
  }
}

Which files belong to a pursuit?

Pass one or more pursuit IDs in pursuit_ids to list the files linked to those pursuits. A file belongs to at most one pursuit, so the filter never double-counts. Resolve the pursuit first with Search pursuits, and use Update user file to link or unlink a file.

{
  "tool": "Search_User_Files",
  "arguments": {
    "pursuit_ids": [
      "<pursuit_govtribe_id>"
    ],
    "fields_to_return": [
      "govtribe_id",
      "name",
      "description",
      "pursuit_id"
    ]
  }
}

Related articles

• User file MCP response: Review the response shape returned by this tool.
• User file data type: Understand the shared record fields and relationships used by this tool.
• Choose a search mode and write queries: Choose keyword or semantic search behavior and shape query values.
• GovTribe AI: Review the GovTribe AI surface where this tool can be called.
• GovTribe for Agents: Use GovTribe for Agents as the starting point for MCP tools, MCP tool responses, and guides.
• MCP servers: Review where this MCP tool can be used.
• Invoke Search Tool MCP tool: Review where this MCP tool can be used.
• Use search results and user files in the hosted shell: Choose between direct search reasoning, search-result JSON, workspace User Files, and hosted shell staging.
• Source identifiers and record matching: Use GovTribe IDs and source identifiers when passing records between tools.