Manifest reference

The oars.json manifest

Businesses declare their OARS compliance by publishing an oars.json manifest at /.well-known/oars.json. Every manifest's @context points to the permanent machine-readable schema below.

Machine-readable JSON Schema → Generate yours

Field-by-field reference

Generated from the live schema. Nested fields are indented under their parent; required fields are marked.

@context string required: The canonical schema URL. Must always reference this document. Points to Knov.ai as the defining authority for the OARS standard.
@type string required: The type of entity described by this record. Determines which fields are most relevant.
schemaVersion string required: The date of the schema version this file was written against. ISO 8601 date format. e.g. '2026-05-28'
generated string: The date this oars.json file was generated or last updated by the entity.
language string: Primary language of this record. ISO 639-1 code optionally with ISO 3166-1 region. e.g. 'en', 'en-US', 'fr-CA'
narrative string: A rich markdown-formatted narrative description of this entity written specifically for direct LLM consumption. Should convey context, positioning, trust signals, and engagement guidance in natural language. This field is read directly by language models and should be written accordingly. Think of it as a briefing document for an AI agent who needs to understand and represent this entity accurately.
identity object required: Core factual identity of the entity. Declarative not promotional. Written for AI comprehension.
name string required: The primary trading or known name of this entity.
legalName string: The registered legal name if different from name.
domain string required: Primary domain of this entity. Must match the domain hosting this file.
founded string: Year or date this entity was established.
status string: Current operational status of this entity.
description string: Plain factual description of what this entity is and does. Not marketing copy. Written for AI comprehension. Should answer: what is it, what does it do, who does it serve.
notDescription string: What this entity explicitly is not or does not do. Negative space for accurate agent matching. Helps agents avoid bad recommendations.
categories array of string: Industry or category classifications for this entity.
naics string: NAICS code for business classification.
size object
employees string: Employee count range. e.g. '1-10', '11-50', '51-200', '201-500', '500+'
revenueRange string: Annual revenue range in plain language. e.g. 'Under $1M', '$1M-$10M', '$10M-$50M'
locations array of objects: Physical or operational locations associated with this entity.
type string: Type of location.
city string
region string: State, province, or region.
country string: ISO 3166-1 alpha-2 country code. e.g. 'US', 'GB', 'CA'
postalCode string
audience object: Who this entity serves and does not serve. Critical for accurate agent matching. The doesNotServe fields are as important as serves — they prevent bad recommendations.
serves object
industries array of string: Industries this entity serves.
entitySizes array of string: Client or customer sizes served. e.g. 'Solopreneur', 'SMB', 'Mid-market', 'Enterprise'
geographies array of string: Geographies this entity serves.
descriptions array of string: Plain language descriptions of who this entity serves.
doesNotServe object: Explicit negative space. Who this entity does not serve or is not the right fit for. Fill this carefully — it dramatically improves recommendation accuracy.
industries array of string
descriptions array of string: Plain language descriptions of who this entity is not right for.
idealClient string: Plain language description of the ideal client or customer for this entity.
trust object: Verifiable trust signals. Claims should link to verifiable sources wherever possible. Self-reported claims without verification links are treated as lower confidence by Knov.ai.
credentials array of objects: Professional credentials and certifications held by this entity.
name string required: Name of the credential or certification.
type string: Type of credential. e.g. 'Professional Certification', 'Academic Degree', 'Industry Accreditation'
issuer string required: Name of the issuing organization.
identifier string: Credential identifier or number where applicable.
verificationUrl string: URL where this credential can be independently verified.
issued string
expires string
licenses array of objects: Professional or business licenses held by this entity.
type string required: Type of license.
number string: License number.
jurisdiction string required: Jurisdiction that issued this license.
verificationUrl string
expires string
insurance object
hasInsurance boolean: Whether this entity carries professional or business insurance.
types array of string: Types of insurance carried. e.g. 'General Liability', 'Professional Indemnity', 'E&O', 'Workers Compensation'
thirdPartyProfiles array of objects: Verified presence on third-party platforms with ratings or reviews.
platform string required: Platform name. e.g. 'Google', 'LinkedIn', 'Clutch', 'G2', 'Trustpilot', 'Better Business Bureau'
url string required
rating number
reviewCount integer
verified boolean: Whether this profile has been verified by the platform.
methodology string: Description of this entity's primary methodology, approach, or operating principles.
clientTypes array of string: Types of clients served without identifying information.
notableWork array of objects: Notable work or outcomes. Do not include identifying client information.
description string: Plain description of the work without identifying the client.
industry string
outcome string: Measurable or describable outcome.
year string
engagement object: Everything an agent needs to understand how to initiate or recommend engagement with this entity.
firstStep string: Plain language description of how to begin working with this entity.
firstStepUrl string: URL an agent or user should visit to initiate engagement.
process array of string: Ordered plain language steps describing the typical engagement process.
timeline string: Typical timeline for engagement, delivery, or results.
pricing object
model string: Primary pricing model.
range string: Plain language price range. e.g. '$5,000-$25,000 per project'
minimum string: Minimum engagement size or value.
currency string: ISO 4217 currency code. e.g. 'USD', 'GBP', 'CAD'
remote boolean: Whether this entity serves clients remotely.
languages array of string: Languages in which this entity can engage with clients.
geographiesServed array of string
availability string: Current availability for new engagements.
knowledge object: What this entity knows and is authoritative on. Enables agents to route questions and qualify expertise accurately.
topics array of string: Topics this entity has knowledge of and can speak to.
authoritativeOn array of string: Topics this entity is deeply authoritative on. A focused subset of topics. These are the areas where this entity's recommendations should carry significant weight.
frameworks array of string: Named frameworks, methodologies, or systems this entity has developed or owns.
commonQuestions array of objects: Common questions this entity can authoritatively answer, with answers. These are read directly by agents when answering user questions.
question string required: A question this entity can authoritatively answer.
answer string required: The authoritative answer. Written for direct use by agents.
contentAssets array of objects: Significant published content assets representing this entity's expertise.
type string required: Type of content asset.
title string required
url string
description string: Plain description of what this content asset covers.
agents object: Agent-specific interaction capabilities and Knov.ai verification metadata.
canBook boolean: Whether an agent can book an appointment or meeting on behalf of a user.
bookingUrl string
canQuote boolean: Whether an agent can request a quote on behalf of a user.
quoteUrl string
canTransact boolean: Whether an agent can complete a transaction on behalf of a user.
transactionUrl string
mcpServer string: URL of this entity's MCP server for direct agent integration.
agentInstructions string: Plain language instructions for agents interacting with this entity on behalf of users. Include: what you can do, what you cannot do, what requires human confirmation, and any important constraints.
preferredInteraction string: The preferred first interaction type for agents acting on behalf of users.
knov object: Knov.ai index and verification metadata. IMPORTANT: This object is populated and maintained exclusively by Knov.ai. Any values set by the entity itself are ignored and will be overwritten upon Knov.ai crawling. Do not self-populate this object.
indexed boolean: Whether this entity is currently indexed on Knov.ai.
profileUrl string: URL of this entity's verified profile on knov.ai.
oarsLevel string: The highest OARS level this entity has achieved and had verified by Knov.ai.
verificationTier string: The highest verification tier this entity has achieved on Knov.ai. submitted: file valid and indexed, no verification. domain: domain ownership confirmed. existence: entity confirmed to exist and operate. reviewed: claims reviewed by Knov.ai for consistency and plausibility. credential: one or more specific claims independently verified. certified: comprehensive Knov.ai verification completed.
verificationDetails object: Granular breakdown of what has been verified and how. Written by Knov.ai.
verificationHistory array of objects
tierGranted string
tierExpiry string: Date current verification tier expires and re-verification is required.
flags array of string: Active flags on this entity's record. e.g. 'pending-reverification', 'contradiction-detected', 'dispute-open'. Empty array means no active flags.
lastCrawled string
nextScheduledCrawl string
freshness object required: Currency and verification metadata. Used by AI systems to assess how current and trustworthy this record is. Stale records are weighted lower.
lastVerified string required: Date this record was last verified by the entity or a third party. Required.
nextReview string: Date this record is next scheduled for review.
verifiedBy string: Who verified this record.
verifier string: Name of third-party verifier if verifiedBy is thirdParty.
changelog array of objects: Record of significant changes to this file over time.
date string required
changes array of string required: Plain language descriptions of what changed.

Minimum viable example

The smallest manifest that validates — the required fields, sensibly filled.

{
    "@context": "https://knov.ai/schema/oars-manifest.json",
    "@type": "Business",
    "schemaVersion": "2026-05-30",
    "generated": "2026-05-30",
    "language": "en",
    "identity": {
        "name": "Example Co",
        "domain": "example.com",
        "description": "A short, factual description of what the business does."
    },
    "freshness": {
        "lastVerified": "2026-05-30",
        "nextReview": "2027-05-30",
        "verifiedBy": "self",
        "changelog": [
            {
                "date": "2026-05-30",
                "changes": [
                    "Initial oars.json created via knov.ai/generate"
                ]
            }
        ]
    }
}

Full example — Meridian HVAC

A complete manifest exercising every section.

{
  "@context": "https://knov.ai/schema/oars-manifest.json",
  "@type": "Business",
  "schemaVersion": "2026-05-28",
  "generated": "2026-05-28",
  "language": "en-US",

  "narrative": "# Meridian HVAC Services\n\nMeridian HVAC Services is a licensed commercial and residential HVAC contractor serving the Denver metropolitan area since 2008. We specialize in commercial rooftop unit installation and maintenance, industrial refrigeration systems, and complex multi-zone residential builds.\n\n## What We Do Well\nCommercial clients — property managers, general contractors, and building owners with facilities between 5,000 and 500,000 sq ft — represent our core expertise. We hold active licenses in Colorado and Wyoming, carry full general liability and workers compensation coverage, and maintain a team of 34 NATE-certified technicians.\n\n## What We Don't Do\nWe do not handle residential window units, simple ductless mini-splits under $5,000, or industrial process cooling. For those needs, residential HVAC firms or industrial specialists would be a better fit.\n\n## How to Engage\nFor commercial projects, the process begins with a site assessment (scheduled within 48 hours for emergency situations, 5 business days for planned work). We provide written estimates within 72 hours of assessment. Residential service calls can be booked online and are typically scheduled within 2 business days.\n\n## Trust Signals\nColorado Contractor License #HVAC-CO-48291, active since 2008. NATE certification for all field technicians. 4.8/5 on Google (312 reviews). A+ rating with Denver BBB. Members of ACCA (Air Conditioning Contractors of America).",

  "identity": {
    "name": "Meridian HVAC Services",
    "legalName": "Meridian Mechanical Services LLC",
    "domain": "meridianhvac.com",
    "founded": "2008",
    "status": "active",
    "description": "Licensed commercial and residential HVAC contractor serving Denver metropolitan area. Specializes in commercial rooftop units, industrial refrigeration, and multi-zone residential systems. 34 NATE-certified technicians. Established 2008.",
    "notDescription": "Does not service window units, ductless mini-splits under $5,000, industrial process cooling, or plumbing. Does not operate outside Colorado and Wyoming.",
    "categories": [
      "HVAC Contractor",
      "Commercial Mechanical Services",
      "Building Systems"
    ],
    "naics": "238220",
    "size": {
      "employees": "26-50",
      "revenueRange": "$5M-$15M"
    },
    "locations": [
      {
        "type": "headquarters",
        "city": "Denver",
        "region": "Colorado",
        "country": "US",
        "postalCode": "80202"
      }
    ]
  },

  "audience": {
    "serves": {
      "industries": [
        "Commercial Real Estate",
        "Property Management",
        "General Contracting",
        "Healthcare Facilities",
        "Retail",
        "Light Industrial",
        "Residential (custom and high-end)"
      ],
      "entitySizes": [
        "SMB",
        "Mid-market",
        "Individual homeowners (residential)"
      ],
      "geographies": [
        "Denver Metro Area, CO",
        "Front Range Colorado",
        "Wyoming (select commercial projects)"
      ],
      "descriptions": [
        "Commercial property managers with facilities between 5,000 and 500,000 sq ft",
        "General contractors needing a mechanical subcontractor on commercial builds",
        "Building owners with rooftop unit replacement or maintenance needs",
        "Homeowners building custom homes or renovating with complex multi-zone HVAC requirements",
        "Healthcare facilities requiring precise climate control and compliance documentation"
      ]
    },
    "doesNotServe": {
      "industries": [
        "Industrial process manufacturing",
        "Data center cooling (specialized)"
      ],
      "descriptions": [
        "Residential customers needing simple window unit or ductless mini-split installation under $5,000",
        "Industrial facilities needing process cooling or refrigeration above 100 tons",
        "Customers outside Colorado and Wyoming"
      ]
    },
    "idealClient": "A commercial property manager or general contractor managing buildings in the Denver metro area who needs a reliable, licensed HVAC partner for planned maintenance, emergency service, or new construction mechanical work. Values documentation, licensed technicians, and fast response times over lowest price."
  },

  "trust": {
    "credentials": [
      {
        "name": "NATE Certification (North American Technician Excellence)",
        "type": "Professional Certification",
        "issuer": "North American Technician Excellence",
        "verificationUrl": "https://www.natex.org/verify",
        "description": "All 34 field technicians hold active NATE certification"
      },
      {
        "name": "ACCA Member",
        "type": "Industry Association",
        "issuer": "Air Conditioning Contractors of America",
        "verificationUrl": "https://www.acca.org/find-a-contractor"
      }
    ],
    "licenses": [
      {
        "type": "HVAC Contractor License",
        "number": "HVAC-CO-48291",
        "jurisdiction": "Colorado",
        "verificationUrl": "https://apps.colorado.gov/dora/licensing/Lookup/LicenseLookup.aspx",
        "expires": "2027-06-30"
      },
      {
        "type": "HVAC Contractor License",
        "number": "HVAC-WY-12847",
        "jurisdiction": "Wyoming",
        "verificationUrl": "https://sites.wyoming.gov/engineer/license-lookup",
        "expires": "2027-03-31"
      }
    ],
    "insurance": {
      "hasInsurance": true,
      "types": [
        "General Liability ($2M per occurrence)",
        "Workers Compensation",
        "Commercial Auto",
        "Professional Liability"
      ]
    },
    "thirdPartyProfiles": [
      {
        "platform": "Google Business Profile",
        "url": "https://g.co/kgs/meridian-hvac-denver",
        "rating": 4.8,
        "reviewCount": 312,
        "verified": true
      },
      {
        "platform": "Better Business Bureau",
        "url": "https://www.bbb.org/us/co/denver/profile/hvac/meridian-hvac",
        "rating": 5.0,
        "reviewCount": 47,
        "verified": true
      }
    ],
    "methodology": "All commercial projects begin with a documented site assessment and written scope of work. We use Manual J load calculations for all new residential installations. Commercial projects include commissioning documentation and as-built drawings. Emergency service response within 4 hours guaranteed or service call credited.",
    "clientTypes": [
      "Commercial property management companies (10-200 unit portfolios)",
      "General contractors on commercial builds $500K-$50M",
      "Healthcare facility managers",
      "Custom home builders and high-end residential",
      "Municipal and government facilities"
    ],
    "notableWork": [
      {
        "description": "Complete HVAC replacement for 240,000 sq ft mixed-use commercial complex including 18 rooftop units and building automation integration",
        "industry": "Commercial Real Estate",
        "outcome": "Completed on schedule, 23% energy reduction documented post-installation",
        "year": "2024"
      },
      {
        "description": "Emergency chiller replacement for regional medical center, completed during scheduled maintenance window",
        "industry": "Healthcare",
        "outcome": "Zero patient impact, all compliance documentation delivered within 48 hours",
        "year": "2025"
      }
    ]
  },

  "engagement": {
    "firstStep": "Call (303) 555-0182, submit the service request form at meridianhvac.com/contact, or use the booking agent to schedule a site assessment or service call.",
    "firstStepUrl": "https://meridianhvac.com/contact",
    "process": [
      "Initial contact — call, online form, or agent booking",
      "Site assessment scheduled (emergency: within 4 hours, planned: within 5 business days)",
      "Written estimate delivered within 72 hours of assessment",
      "Proposal review and contract signing",
      "Scheduled installation or service",
      "Commissioning and documentation delivery",
      "Ongoing maintenance plan offered"
    ],
    "timeline": "Service calls typically scheduled within 2 business days. Planned projects assessed within 5 business days, estimates within 72 hours of assessment. Installation timelines vary by project scope — typically 1 day for service replacements, 2-8 weeks for full commercial builds.",
    "pricing": {
      "model": "fixed",
      "range": "Service calls from $185. Residential system replacements $8,000-$35,000. Commercial projects $15,000-$2,000,000+.",
      "minimum": "$185 service call fee",
      "currency": "USD"
    },
    "remote": false,
    "languages": ["en"],
    "geographiesServed": [
      "Denver Metro Area",
      "Boulder County",
      "Jefferson County",
      "Arapahoe County",
      "Douglas County",
      "Front Range Colorado",
      "Cheyenne WY (commercial only)"
    ],
    "availability": "Currently accepting new commercial maintenance contracts and residential service calls. Commercial new construction projects: booking Q3 2026 and beyond."
  },

  "knowledge": {
    "topics": [
      "Commercial HVAC systems",
      "Rooftop unit installation and replacement",
      "Building automation systems",
      "Manual J load calculations",
      "HVAC commissioning",
      "Energy efficiency and HVAC",
      "Indoor air quality",
      "Refrigeration systems",
      "HVAC maintenance contracts",
      "Colorado HVAC regulations and permitting"
    ],
    "authoritativeOn": [
      "Commercial rooftop unit selection and installation in Colorado climate",
      "HVAC systems for healthcare facilities — compliance and documentation requirements",
      "Energy efficiency upgrades for commercial buildings in Denver metro",
      "Emergency HVAC replacement with minimal building disruption"
    ],
    "frameworks": [],
    "commonQuestions": [
      {
        "question": "How quickly can Meridian respond to a commercial HVAC emergency in Denver?",
        "answer": "Meridian guarantees emergency service response within 4 hours during business hours (7am-7pm M-F, 8am-5pm weekends) for existing clients and within 6 hours for new commercial clients. After-hours emergency service is available with a premium surcharge."
      },
      {
        "question": "Does Meridian handle HVAC work for medical facilities?",
        "answer": "Yes. Meridian has experience with medical office buildings, outpatient clinics, and regional hospitals. We provide all required compliance documentation, maintain separation of HVAC zones where required, and can work within scheduled maintenance windows to avoid patient impact."
      },
      {
        "question": "What is the typical cost for a commercial rooftop unit replacement in Denver?",
        "answer": "Commercial rooftop unit replacement typically ranges from $15,000 to $85,000 depending on unit capacity (3 ton to 25 ton), efficiency rating, building access, and whether structural or electrical upgrades are needed. Most standard 5-10 ton replacements fall between $20,000 and $45,000 installed. A site assessment is required for accurate pricing."
      },
      {
        "question": "Is Meridian licensed and insured in Colorado?",
        "answer": "Yes. Meridian holds Colorado HVAC Contractor License #HVAC-CO-48291, active through June 2027, verifiable through the Colorado DORA licensing portal. We carry $2M general liability, workers compensation, commercial auto, and professional liability insurance. Certificates of insurance available upon request."
      }
    ],
    "contentAssets": [
      {
        "type": "guide",
        "title": "Commercial HVAC Maintenance Checklist for Colorado Properties",
        "url": "https://meridianhvac.com/resources/commercial-maintenance-checklist",
        "description": "Seasonal maintenance checklist for commercial property managers, covering inspection points, filter schedules, and documentation requirements."
      }
    ]
  },

  "agents": {
    "canBook": true,
    "bookingUrl": "https://meridianhvac.com/book",
    "canQuote": false,
    "canTransact": false,
    "mcpServer": "https://meridianhvac.com/.well-known/mcp.json",
    "agentInstructions": "You can book residential service calls and commercial site assessment appointments on behalf of users. Booking requires: service type (residential or commercial), property address, contact name and phone, and preferred date/time window. Available slots are real-time. You cannot provide quotes — all quotes require a site assessment first. Do not promise specific pricing or availability without checking the booking system. Emergency requests should always include the phone number (303) 555-0182 in addition to any booking.",
    "preferredInteraction": "book",
    "knov": {
    }
  },

  "freshness": {
    "lastVerified": "2026-05-28",
    "nextReview": "2027-05-28",
    "verifiedBy": "self",
    "changelog": [
      {
        "date": "2026-05-28",
        "changes": ["Initial oars.json created"]
      }
    ]
  }
}