BFS API Implementation Note

BFS API Implementation Note

Status: Code Added, Endpoint Needs Verification

The BFS (Business Formation Statistics) API code has been added to the MCP server, but the endpoint may need verification.

What Was Added

✅ fetch_bfs_data() method in census_client.py ✅ fetch_census_bfs_data MCP tool in server.py ✅ Handler in call_tool() function

Current Endpoint

https://api.census.gov/data/timeseries/bfs

Issue

The endpoint returns 404. Possible reasons:

  1. BFS data might be accessed through a different endpoint format
  2. BFS might require different parameters (time period, etc.)
  3. BFS API structure might have changed

Next Steps to Fix

  1. Check Census Bureau API Documentation
    • Visit: https://www.census.gov/data/developers/data-sets/business-formation-statistics.html
    • Verify the correct endpoint format
  2. Alternative: Use BDS for Business Formation Data
    • BDS already provides business formation data (ESTABS_ENTRY)
    • BFS was meant to complement with monthly updates
    • BDS works and provides similar data
  3. If BFS is Critical
    • Contact Census Bureau API support
    • Check if BFS requires special access or different authentication

Current Working APIs

✅ BDS - Business Dynamics Statistics (WORKING) ✅ ACS - American Community Survey (WORKING)
✅ ABS - Annual Business Survey (WORKING) ⚠️ BFS - Business Formation Statistics (CODE READY, ENDPOINT NEEDS VERIFICATION)

Recommendation

For now, use BDS for business formation data. BFS was meant to provide monthly updates, but BDS provides annual data that’s already working well.

If you need monthly business application data specifically, we can:

  1. Research the correct BFS endpoint
  2. Or use alternative data sources
  3. Or focus on the 3 working APIs (BDS, ACS, ABS)