How to Connect Claude Desktop to rfp.ai

Connect Claude Desktop to your rfp.ai knowledge base in just 5 minutes. No coding required—just copy, paste, and go.

Last updated October 2025

Get API Token Full Documentation

Before You Start

Make sure you have:

rfp.ai account with Starter plan or higher (API access not available on Free tier)
Knowledge base files uploaded to rfp.ai (Settings → Knowledge Base)
Claude Desktop installed (download here)

Create an API Token

Time: 1 minute

1
Log in to rfp.ai
2
Go to Settings → API & Extensions → API Tokens
3
Click Create Token
4
Name it Claude Desktop MCP
5
Copy the token and save it securely

⚠️ Important

Save the token now! You won't be able to see it again. Store it in a password manager or secure note.

Configure Claude Desktop

Time: 2 minutes

For macOS / Linux

1. Open Terminal
Find it in Applications → Utilities → Terminal

2. Create the configuration file:

mkdir -p ~/Library/Application\ Support/Claude
nano ~/Library/Application\ Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json

3. Paste this configuration:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "rfp-ai": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "@modelcontextprotocol/server-fetch",
        "https://rfp.ai/api/mcp"
      ],
      "env": {
        "AUTHORIZATION": "Bearer YOUR_TOKEN_HERE"
      }
    }
  }
}

Replace YOUR_TOKEN_HERE with your actual API token from Step 1

4. Save the file:
- Press Ctrl+O to save
- Press Enter to confirm
- Press Ctrl+X to exit

For Windows

1. Open Command Prompt or PowerShell
Press Win+R, type cmd, press Enter
2. Create the directory:
```
mkdir "%APPDATA%\Claude"
```

3. Open the configuration file:

notepad "%APPDATA%\Claude\claude_desktop_config.json"

4. Paste the same configuration as shown above
(Remember to replace YOUR_TOKEN_HERE with your actual token)
5. Save and close Notepad
File → Save, then close

Restart Claude Desktop

Time: 30 seconds

1
Quit Claude Desktop completely (don't just close the window)
- macOS: Press Cmd+Q or Claude → Quit
- Windows: Right-click taskbar icon → Quit
2
Reopen Claude Desktop
From Applications folder (macOS) or Start menu (Windows)
3
Wait for it to fully load
Give it 10-15 seconds to initialize

Test the Connection

Time: 1 minute

Open a new conversation in Claude and try these test commands:

Test 1: List Projects

Can you list my RFP projects?

✅ Expected result: Claude will use the list_projects tool and show your projects with names, status, and deadlines.

Test 2: Search Knowledge Base

Search my knowledge base for information about data security

✅ Expected result: Claude will search your uploaded files and show relevant excerpts with source information.

Test 3: Ask a Question

Based on my knowledge base, what are our cloud infrastructure capabilities?

✅ Expected result: Claude will generate a comprehensive answer with source citations from your knowledge base files.

🎉 Success!

If Claude responds with project data or knowledge base information, you're all set! Claude Desktop is now connected to your rfp.ai account.

What you can do now: Ask Claude to search documents, draft responses, check project status, analyze requirements, and more—all without leaving your AI chat.

Troubleshooting

Problem: "unauthorized" error

Solutions:

Check your API token is correct in the config file (no extra spaces or quotes)
Verify the token hasn't been revoked (Settings → API Tokens)
Ensure you're on Starter plan or higher (Free tier doesn't have API access)
Make sure you have Bearer before the token in the config

Problem: Claude doesn't recognize MCP tools

Solutions:

Restart Claude Desktop completely (Quit → Reopen, not just close window)
Check configuration file syntax using a JSON validator
Verify the file is saved in the correct location
Make sure npx is available (Node.js installed)

Problem: "No relevant information found"

Solutions:

Upload more knowledge base files (Settings → Knowledge Base)
Wait a few minutes for files to be processed and indexed
Try rephrasing your question
Check that files are categorized as "company" knowledge (not RFP files)

Problem: Configuration file won't save

Solutions:

macOS/Linux: Make sure directory exists: mkdir -p ~/Library/Application\ Support/Claude
Windows: Run Command Prompt as Administrator
Check you have write permissions in the directory

Still having issues? Email [email protected] or use the in-app chat. Include your error message and operating system for faster help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need coding skills to do this?

No. You're just editing a text file with copy-paste. If you can use Notepad, you can do this setup.

Will Claude have access to all my data?

Claude can only read your rfp.ai data (knowledge base, projects, Q&A). It cannot modify or delete anything. The integration is read-only by design.

Can I revoke access later?

Yes! Go to Settings → API Tokens and delete the token. Access is revoked immediately.

Does this cost extra?

No. MCP integration is included in Starter, Professional, and Enterprise plans at no additional cost.

Can I use this with other AI assistants?

Yes! Any AI assistant that supports Model Context Protocol can connect to rfp.ai using the same API token and endpoint.

What's Next?

Full MCP Documentation

Learn about all 7 tools, resources, prompts, and advanced features.

Read Full Guide

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