Update automation MCP tool
Update an existing GovTribe AI automation. Pass govtribe_ai_project_name to rename the existing GovTribe AI project (the same project is reused). If the original project was deleted, a fresh project is created and linked to this automation.
- MCP tool name:
Update_Automation - Returns: Automation MCP response
- Annotations: Not read only, destructive, idempotent, closed world
- Surfaces: GovTribe AI
Examples
Update_Automation sends the full automation definition, not a partial patch. Include name, prompt, trigger_type, and the matching trigger_config every time. Omit both completion email fields to preserve the current completion email setting. Omit govtribe_ai_project_name when you want to keep the existing project name.
Rename an automation and its GovTribe AI project
{
"tool": "Search_Automations",
"arguments": {
"query": "\"Weekly capture recap\"",
"fields_to_return": [
"govtribe_id",
"name",
"govtribe_ai_project_name",
"trigger_details"
],
"past_runs_limit": 0
}
}{
"tool": "Update_Automation",
"arguments": {
"workflow_id": "<automation_govtribe_id>",
"govtribe_ai_project_name": "Capture Reviews v2",
"name": "Weekly capture recap v2",
"prompt": "Review recent activity, highlight the biggest capture changes, and draft a sharper weekly recap for our leadership team.",
"trigger_type": "trigger-schedule",
"trigger_config": {
"rrule": "RRULE:FREQ=WEEKLY;BYDAY=MO;BYHOUR=9;BYMINUTE=15"
}
}
}Repoint an automation to a different saved search
{
"tool": "Search_Saved_Searches",
"arguments": {
"query": "Healthcare IT recompetes",
"fields_to_return": [
"govtribe_id",
"name",
"frequency"
]
}
}{
"tool": "Update_Automation",
"arguments": {
"workflow_id": "<automation_govtribe_id>",
"name": "Saved search result triage",
"prompt": "Review the new saved-search matches, rank them for our capture team, and call out any records that need immediate follow-up.",
"on_completion_notify_user": "conditionally",
"completion_notification_instructions": "Email me only when a new result looks like a priority pursuit. Keep the email short and start with the recommended action.",
"trigger_type": "trigger-saved-search-results",
"trigger_config": {
"saved_search_model_id": "<saved_search_govtribe_id>"
}
}
}Payload patterns
Update_Automation requires workflow_id plus the full post-update automation definition. Treat it as a replace-style update for the automation's editable MCP fields, not a patch for one nested trigger key.
Keep govtribe_ai_project_name out of the payload when the project name should stay the same. Include it when you want to rename the linked GovTribe AI project. If that project was deleted, the tool recreates it automatically during the update.
Completion email settings are also part of the replacement payload:
| Field | Notes |
|---|---|
on_completion_notify_user | Optional. Use always, conditionally, or never. Omit both completion email fields to preserve the existing setting. Set this field to never to turn completion emails off. |
completion_notification_instructions | Required with conditionally, optional with always, and ignored with never. Use it for the condition, formatting guidance, tone, or summary instructions. |
These fields do not accept custom recipients. The completion email is for the authenticated user who owns the automation run.
{
"tool": "Update_Automation",
"arguments": {
"workflow_id": "<automation_govtribe_id>",
"govtribe_ai_project_name": "Optional new project name",
"name": "Updated automation name",
"prompt": "Updated prompt text",
"on_completion_notify_user": "never",
"trigger_type": "trigger-saved-search-results",
"trigger_config": {
"saved_search_model_id": "<saved_search_govtribe_id>"
}
}
}Related articles
- Automation MCP response: Review the response shape returned by this tool.
- GovTribe AI: Review the GovTribe AI surface where this tool can be called.
- Source identifiers and record matching: Use GovTribe IDs and source identifiers when passing records between tools.