Phase 3: SAM MCP server on validated simulation workflows and job layer (extensible to other SAM functions) #236

Parent: #227

Goal

Expose SAM's validated simulation workflows to AI agents through MCP, built on the job layer from #235 and the comparison from #231. The tool surface should be easy to extend to other SAM engineering functions.

Design outline

• A C# console host using the official ModelContextProtocol C# SDK. The first transport is stdio; a localhost HTTP transport inside the running UI is a later option.
• An extensible tool registry. Each SAM function registers typed tools, so new tools can be added without changing the host.
• Initial tools, following openstudio-mcp's run-ID conventions:
  • submit_simulation(engine: tas|openstudio, model_path, weather_path) → job_id
  • get_job_status, cancel_job, list_jobs
  • get_results_summary (B1a)
  • compare_runs (benchmark-compare plus the input manifests)
  • get_input_manifest
• Security: inputs and outputs are restricted to configured allow-listed folders, there is no arbitrary code or script execution, and tool outputs are structured JSON.
• Interop: export_osm lets an agent hand work over to openstudio-mcp (Docs: using NatLabRockies/openstudio-mcp as an optional agent companion on SAM-exported OSM/OSW SAM_OpenStudio#31).

Depends on

#235 (G4), #231.

Acceptance criteria