Search_Query_Guide

Purpose

Use this guide to construct query values for GovTribe Search_* requests so query text matches the intended search behavior. Use it when:

• converting user intent into exact terms vs conceptual language.

• normalizing mixed phrases, identifiers, and excludes into one query string.

Construction Rules

• For default keyword behavior:

  • preserve user quotes and add quotes around clear entities/IDs.

  • correct obvious typos outside quoted strings and IDs.

  • output terms/phrases with optional | and -term only.

  • for Search_Federal_Contract_Awards with non-empty product/theme text, include quoted query content.

• For search_mode: "semantic":

  • start with plain-language intent.

  • append 2-6 domain-aware synonyms/paraphrases.

  • relax narrow constraints last if sparse.

  • keep query concise (about 20-25 words).

Examples

Default Keyword-Behavior Examples

Exact solicitation ID lookup: Tool: Search_Federal_Contract_Opportunities

{
  "query": "\"W912HQ-24-R-0123\""
}

Quoted phrase with procurement term: Tool: Search_Federal_Contract_Opportunities

{
  "query": "\"cyber incident response\" BPA"
}

Quoted product-name lookup on FCA: Tool: Search_Federal_Contract_Awards

{
  "query": "\"endpoint detection\""
}

Semantic Mode Examples (search_mode: "semantic")

Recompete discovery intent with paraphrases: Tool: Search_Federal_Contract_Opportunities

{
  "query": "ways to find recompete contracts in DoD; identify expiring awards; follow-on opportunities; contract renewals",
  "search_mode": "semantic"
}

Similarity intent with domain synonyms: Tool: Search_Federal_Contract_Opportunities

{
  "query": "notices similar to FAA SWIM support; aviation data integration; system wide information management; enterprise integration support",
  "search_mode": "semantic"
}