# Troubleshoot a FedFinder connection

> For AI agents: use the [documentation index](https://www.fedfinder.net/connector-docs/llms.txt). This page is also available as [Markdown](https://www.fedfinder.net/connector-docs/troubleshooting.md).

Start with the exact server URL, the account's connection screen and a read-only usage check. Preserve missing evidence as unknown instead of guessing a successful result.

## The custom connector option is missing

Your AI application may require a compatible plan, developer-mode setting or administrator approval. Check that application's current instructions in [Connect FedFinder](https://www.fedfinder.net/connector-docs/connect). A FedFinder subscription does not enable another provider's feature or establish a directory listing.

## The URL returns 405 in my browser

That is expected for a browser GET to `https://app.fedfinder.net/mcp`. Configure it as an MCP server, not a normal web page or generic fetch target. The endpoint accepts POST; it has no standalone SSE stream or server session to delete.

## Sign-in fails or the connector returns 401

Check that the URL is exactly `https://app.fedfinder.net/mcp`, without a marketing-host substitution. Follow the client's OAuth sign-in flow. A POST without a bearer token intentionally returns 401 and an authentication-discovery header. If a previously working client cannot refresh its token, reconnect through consent. Never paste a password or token into the chat to work around this.

## Access is denied or the account requires payment

Check subscription status and administrator feature settings. Research must have exactly one active user. A permission grant cannot bypass a disabled connection, missing entitlement or locked subscription. Ask your account owner to resolve billing or seat issues rather than repeatedly reconnecting.

## A tool is missing or lacks permission

Call `tools/list` through your MCP client to see the tools this connection can actually use. Compare your plan with [plans and limits](https://www.fedfinder.net/connector-docs/plans-and-limits). Check approved scopes. If a needed permission was not granted, reconnect and review it on FedFinder's consent screen. The connector's `search_people` and `search_pre_rfp_signals` tools require Intel. The website's Early Signals feature is a separate plan surface.

`save_opportunity` is not `create_pursuit`. Research saves a shortlist record, not a Pursuit Board item. Pursuit writes are not available on standard Research or Starter connector access.

## Rate limit or monthly allowance reached

For a rate limit, wait for `Retry-After` when supplied, then retry at a slower pace. For a monthly successful-tool allowance, check `connection_usage`. The period resets on the UTC calendar month, not the billing anniversary. Reconnecting or opening more conversations does not give the account a new allowance.

## Search is empty or the source looks out of date

Check one filter at a time: NAICS, agency, place of performance or set-aside. Use the exact returned identifier with `get_opportunity`, or the numeric local RFQ ID with `get_dibbs`. Ambiguous identifiers must be resolved, not silently chosen. Source coverage and refresh times vary; these are local records, not a live request to every upstream system.

Check the official notice for amendments, dates and the actual submission channel. A past return date alone does not establish a cancellation or award. A historical supplier award does not establish manufacturer status, approved-source status or current authorization to distribute a part.

## DIBBS evidence is incomplete

Supplier-type filters describe the evidence basis, such as historical awardee versus published approved source. Missing classifications remain unknown. A technical-data link does not prove usable drawings are available. A bounded excerpt or missing price is not evidence of a comparable unit price. Keep unsupported sourcing or quote conclusions unresolved and verify the original requirement before submitting on DIBBS.

## The research shortlist is full

List the saved opportunities, review them and explicitly confirm removal of an unwanted record before saving another. The limit is 25 per account. Duplicate saves are idempotent. Removing a shortlist entry does not delete the public opportunity or a separate pursuit.

## Report a reproducible problem

Send [sales@fedfinder.net](mailto:sales@fedfinder.net) the AI application, approximate time and timezone, tool name, redacted error and public notice identifier if relevant. Remove credentials and private customer content. Do not send passwords, tokens, payment details or unredacted authorization URLs.

Last reviewed: October 24, 2026.