# How to integrate Basecamp MCP with OpenAI Agents SDK

```json
{
  "title": "How to integrate Basecamp MCP with OpenAI Agents SDK",
  "toolkit": "Basecamp",
  "toolkit_slug": "basecamp",
  "framework": "OpenAI Agents SDK",
  "framework_slug": "open-ai-agents-sdk",
  "url": "https://composio.dev/toolkits/basecamp/framework/open-ai-agents-sdk",
  "markdown_url": "https://composio.dev/toolkits/basecamp/framework/open-ai-agents-sdk.md",
  "updated_at": "2026-03-29T06:24:07.764Z"
}
```

## Introduction

This guide walks you through connecting Basecamp to the OpenAI Agents SDK using the Composio tool router. By the end, you'll have a working Basecamp agent that can create a new project for client onboarding, add a to-do item to the marketing team, post a team-wide announcement in campfire chat through natural language commands.
This guide will help you understand how to give your OpenAI Agents SDK agent real control over a Basecamp account through Composio's Basecamp MCP server.
Before we dive in, let's take a quick look at the key ideas and tools involved.

## Also integrate Basecamp with

- [ChatGPT](https://composio.dev/toolkits/basecamp/framework/chatgpt)
- [Claude Agent SDK](https://composio.dev/toolkits/basecamp/framework/claude-agents-sdk)
- [Claude Code](https://composio.dev/toolkits/basecamp/framework/claude-code)
- [Claude Cowork](https://composio.dev/toolkits/basecamp/framework/claude-cowork)
- [Codex](https://composio.dev/toolkits/basecamp/framework/codex)
- [Cursor](https://composio.dev/toolkits/basecamp/framework/cursor)
- [VS Code](https://composio.dev/toolkits/basecamp/framework/vscode)
- [OpenCode](https://composio.dev/toolkits/basecamp/framework/opencode)
- [OpenClaw](https://composio.dev/toolkits/basecamp/framework/openclaw)
- [Hermes](https://composio.dev/toolkits/basecamp/framework/hermes-agent)
- [CLI](https://composio.dev/toolkits/basecamp/framework/cli)
- [Google ADK](https://composio.dev/toolkits/basecamp/framework/google-adk)
- [LangChain](https://composio.dev/toolkits/basecamp/framework/langchain)
- [Vercel AI SDK](https://composio.dev/toolkits/basecamp/framework/ai-sdk)
- [Mastra AI](https://composio.dev/toolkits/basecamp/framework/mastra-ai)
- [LlamaIndex](https://composio.dev/toolkits/basecamp/framework/llama-index)
- [CrewAI](https://composio.dev/toolkits/basecamp/framework/crew-ai)

## TL;DR

Here's what you'll learn:
- Get and set up your OpenAI and Composio API keys
- Install the necessary dependencies
- Initialize Composio and create a Tool Router session for Basecamp
- Configure an AI agent that can use Basecamp as a tool
- Run a live chat session where you can ask the agent to perform Basecamp operations

## What is OpenAI Agents SDK?

The OpenAI Agents SDK is a lightweight framework for building AI agents that can use tools and maintain conversation state. It provides a simple interface for creating agents with hosted MCP tool support.
Key features include:
- Hosted MCP Tools: Connect to external services through hosted MCP endpoints
- SQLite Sessions: Persist conversation history across interactions
- Simple API: Clean interface with Agent, Runner, and tool configuration
- Streaming Support: Real-time response streaming for interactive applications

## What is the Basecamp MCP server, and what's possible with it?

The Basecamp MCP server is an implementation of the Model Context Protocol that connects your AI agent and assistants like Claude, Cursor, etc directly to your Basecamp account. It provides structured and secure access so your agent can perform Basecamp operations on your behalf.

## Supported Tools

None listed.

## Supported Triggers

None listed.

## Creating MCP Server - Stand-alone vs Composio SDK

The Basecamp MCP server is an implementation of the Model Context Protocol that connects your AI agent to Basecamp. It provides structured and secure access so your agent can perform Basecamp operations on your behalf through a secure, permission-based interface.
With Composio's managed implementation, you don't have to create your own developer app. For production, if you're building an end product, we recommend using your own credentials. The managed server helps you prototype fast and go from 0-1 faster.

## Step-by-step Guide

### 1. Prerequisites

Before starting, make sure you have:
- Composio API Key and OpenAI API Key
- Primary know-how of OpenAI Agents SDK
- A live Basecamp project
- Some knowledge of Python or Typescript

### 1. Getting API Keys for OpenAI and Composio

OpenAI API Key
- Go to the [OpenAI dashboard](https://platform.openai.com/settings/organization/api-keys) and create an API key. You'll need credits to use the models, or you can connect to another model provider.
- Keep the API key safe.
Composio API Key
- Log in to the [Composio dashboard](https://dashboard.composio.dev?utm_source=toolkits&utm_medium=framework_docs).
- Go to Settings and copy your API key.

### 2. Install dependencies

Install the Composio SDK and the OpenAI Agents SDK.
```python
pip install composio_openai_agents openai-agents python-dotenv
```

```typescript
npm install @composio/openai-agents @openai/agents dotenv
```

### 3. Set up environment variables

Create a .env file and add your OpenAI and Composio API keys.
```bash
OPENAI_API_KEY=sk-...your-api-key
COMPOSIO_API_KEY=your-api-key
USER_ID=composio_user@gmail.com
```

### 4. Import dependencies

What's happening:
- You're importing all necessary libraries.
- The Composio and OpenAIAgentsProvider classes are imported to connect your OpenAI agent to Composio tools like Basecamp.
```python
import asyncio
import os
from dotenv import load_dotenv

from composio import Composio
from composio_openai_agents import OpenAIAgentsProvider
from agents import Agent, Runner, HostedMCPTool, SQLiteSession
```

```typescript
import 'dotenv/config';
import { Composio } from '@composio/core';
import { OpenAIAgentsProvider } from '@composio/openai-agents';
import { Agent, hostedMcpTool, run, OpenAIConversationsSession } from '@openai/agents';
import * as readline from 'readline';
```

### 5. Set up the Composio instance

No description provided.
```python
load_dotenv()

api_key = os.getenv("COMPOSIO_API_KEY")
user_id = os.getenv("USER_ID")

if not api_key:
    raise RuntimeError("COMPOSIO_API_KEY is not set. Create a .env file with COMPOSIO_API_KEY=your_key")

# Initialize Composio
composio = Composio(api_key=api_key, provider=OpenAIAgentsProvider())
```

```typescript
dotenv.config();

const composioApiKey = process.env.COMPOSIO_API_KEY;
const userId = process.env.USER_ID;

if (!composioApiKey) {
  throw new Error('COMPOSIO_API_KEY is not set. Create a .env file with COMPOSIO_API_KEY=your_key');
}
if (!userId) {
  throw new Error('USER_ID is not set');
}

// Initialize Composio
const composio = new Composio({
  apiKey: composioApiKey,
  provider: new OpenAIAgentsProvider(),
});
```

### 6. Create a Tool Router session

What is happening:
- You give the Tool Router the user id and the toolkits you want available. Here, it is only basecamp.
- The router checks the user's Basecamp connection and prepares the MCP endpoint.
- The returned session.mcp.url is the MCP URL that your agent will use to access Basecamp.
- This approach keeps things lightweight and lets the agent request Basecamp tools only when needed during the conversation.
```python
# Create a Basecamp Tool Router session
session = composio.create(
    user_id=user_id,
    toolkits=["basecamp"]
)

mcp_url = session.mcp.url
```

```typescript
// Create Tool Router session for Basecamp
const session = await composio.create(userId as string, {
  toolkits: ['basecamp'],
});
const mcpUrl = session.mcp.url;
```

### 7. Configure the agent

No description provided.
```python
# Configure agent with MCP tool
agent = Agent(
    name="Assistant",
    model="gpt-5",
    instructions=(
        "You are a helpful assistant that can access Basecamp. "
        "Help users perform Basecamp operations through natural language."
    ),
    tools=[
        HostedMCPTool(
            tool_config={
                "type": "mcp",
                "server_label": "tool_router",
                "server_url": mcp_url,
                "headers": {"x-api-key": api_key},
                "require_approval": "never",
            }
        )
    ],
)
```

```typescript
// Configure agent with MCP tool
const agent = new Agent({
  name: 'Assistant',
  model: 'gpt-5',
  instructions:
    'You are a helpful assistant that can access Basecamp. Help users perform Basecamp operations through natural language.',
  tools: [
    hostedMcpTool({
      serverLabel: 'tool_router',
      serverUrl: mcpUrl,
      headers: { 'x-api-key': composioApiKey },
      requireApproval: 'never',
    }),
  ],
});
```

### 8. Start chat loop and handle conversation

No description provided.
```python
print("\nComposio Tool Router session created.")

chat_session = SQLiteSession("conversation_openai_toolrouter")

print("\nChat started. Type your requests below.")
print("Commands: 'exit', 'quit', or 'q' to end\n")

async def main():
    try:
        result = await Runner.run(
            agent,
            "What can you help me with?",
            session=chat_session
        )
        print(f"Assistant: {result.final_output}\n")
    except Exception as e:
        print(f"Error: {e}\n")

    while True:
        user_input = input("You: ").strip()
        if user_input.lower() in {"exit", "quit", "q"}:
            print("Goodbye!")
            break

        result = await Runner.run(
            agent,
            user_input,
            session=chat_session
        )
        print(f"Assistant: {result.final_output}\n")

asyncio.run(main())
```

```typescript
// Keep conversation state across turns
const conversationSession = new OpenAIConversationsSession();

// Simple CLI
const rl = readline.createInterface({
  input: process.stdin,
  output: process.stdout,
  prompt: 'You: ',
});

console.log('\nComposio Tool Router session created.');
console.log('\nChat started. Type your requests below.');
console.log("Commands: 'exit', 'quit', or 'q' to end\n");

try {
  const first = await run(agent, 'What can you help me with?', { session: conversationSession });
  console.log(`Assistant: ${first.finalOutput}\n`);
} catch (e) {
  console.error('Error:', e instanceof Error ? e.message : e, '\n');
}

rl.prompt();

rl.on('line', async (userInput) => {
  const text = userInput.trim();

  if (['exit', 'quit', 'q'].includes(text.toLowerCase())) {
    console.log('Goodbye!');
    rl.close();
    process.exit(0);
  }

  if (!text) {
    rl.prompt();
    return;
  }

  try {
    const result = await run(agent, text, { session: conversationSession });
    console.log(`\nAssistant: ${result.finalOutput}\n`);
  } catch (e) {
    console.error('Error:', e instanceof Error ? e.message : e, '\n');
  }

  rl.prompt();
});

rl.on('close', () => {
  console.log('\n👋 Session ended.');
  process.exit(0);
});
```

## Complete Code

```python
import asyncio
import os
from dotenv import load_dotenv

from composio import Composio
from composio_openai_agents import OpenAIAgentsProvider
from agents import Agent, Runner, HostedMCPTool, SQLiteSession

load_dotenv()

api_key = os.getenv("COMPOSIO_API_KEY")
user_id = os.getenv("USER_ID")

if not api_key:
    raise RuntimeError("COMPOSIO_API_KEY is not set. Create a .env file with COMPOSIO_API_KEY=your_key")

# Initialize Composio
composio = Composio(api_key=api_key, provider=OpenAIAgentsProvider())

# Create Tool Router session
session = composio.create(
    user_id=user_id,
    toolkits=["basecamp"]
)
mcp_url = session.mcp.url

# Configure agent with MCP tool
agent = Agent(
    name="Assistant",
    model="gpt-5",
    instructions=(
        "You are a helpful assistant that can access Basecamp. "
        "Help users perform Basecamp operations through natural language."
    ),
    tools=[
        HostedMCPTool(
            tool_config={
                "type": "mcp",
                "server_label": "tool_router",
                "server_url": mcp_url,
                "headers": {"x-api-key": api_key},
                "require_approval": "never",
            }
        )
    ],
)

print("\nComposio Tool Router session created.")

chat_session = SQLiteSession("conversation_openai_toolrouter")

print("\nChat started. Type your requests below.")
print("Commands: 'exit', 'quit', or 'q' to end\n")

async def main():
    try:
        result = await Runner.run(
            agent,
            "What can you help me with?",
            session=chat_session
        )
        print(f"Assistant: {result.final_output}\n")
    except Exception as e:
        print(f"Error: {e}\n")

    while True:
        user_input = input("You: ").strip()
        if user_input.lower() in {"exit", "quit", "q"}:
            print("Goodbye!")
            break

        result = await Runner.run(
            agent,
            user_input,
            session=chat_session
        )
        print(f"Assistant: {result.final_output}\n")

asyncio.run(main())
```

```typescript
import 'dotenv/config';
import { Composio } from '@composio/core';
import { OpenAIAgentsProvider } from '@composio/openai-agents';
import { Agent, hostedMcpTool, run, OpenAIConversationsSession } from '@openai/agents';
import * as readline from 'readline';

const composioApiKey = process.env.COMPOSIO_API_KEY;
const userId = process.env.USER_ID;

if (!composioApiKey) {
  throw new Error('COMPOSIO_API_KEY is not set. Create a .env file with COMPOSIO_API_KEY=your_key');
}
if (!userId) {
  throw new Error('USER_ID is not set');
}

// Initialize Composio
const composio = new Composio({
  apiKey: composioApiKey,
  provider: new OpenAIAgentsProvider(),
});

async function main() {
  // Create Tool Router session
  const session = await composio.create(userId as string, {
    toolkits: ['basecamp'],
  });
  const mcpUrl = session.mcp.url;

  // Configure agent with MCP tool
  const agent = new Agent({
    name: 'Assistant',
    model: 'gpt-5',
    instructions:
      'You are a helpful assistant that can access Basecamp. Help users perform Basecamp operations through natural language.',
    tools: [
      hostedMcpTool({
        serverLabel: 'tool_router',
        serverUrl: mcpUrl,
        headers: { 'x-api-key': composioApiKey },
        requireApproval: 'never',
      }),
    ],
  });

  // Keep conversation state across turns
  const conversationSession = new OpenAIConversationsSession();

  // Simple CLI
  const rl = readline.createInterface({
    input: process.stdin,
    output: process.stdout,
    prompt: 'You: ',
  });

  console.log('\nComposio Tool Router session created.');
  console.log('\nChat started. Type your requests below.');
  console.log("Commands: 'exit', 'quit', or 'q' to end\n");

  try {
    const first = await run(agent, 'What can you help me with?', { session: conversationSession });
    console.log(`Assistant: ${first.finalOutput}\n`);
  } catch (e) {
    console.error('Error:', e instanceof Error ? e.message : e, '\n');
  }

  rl.prompt();

  rl.on('line', async (userInput) => {
    const text = userInput.trim();

    if (['exit', 'quit', 'q'].includes(text.toLowerCase())) {
      console.log('Goodbye!');
      rl.close();
      process.exit(0);
    }

    if (!text) {
      rl.prompt();
      return;
    }

    try {
      const result = await run(agent, text, { session: conversationSession });
      console.log(`\nAssistant: ${result.finalOutput}\n`);
    } catch (e) {
      console.error('Error:', e instanceof Error ? e.message : e, '\n');
    }

    rl.prompt();
  });

  rl.on('close', () => {
    console.log('\nSession ended.');
    process.exit(0);
  });
}

main().catch((err) => {
  console.error('Fatal error:', err);
  process.exit(1);
});
```

## Conclusion

This was a starter code for integrating Basecamp MCP with OpenAI Agents SDK to build a functional AI agent that can interact with Basecamp.
Key features:
- Hosted MCP tool integration through Composio's Tool Router
- SQLite session persistence for conversation history
- Simple async chat loop for interactive testing
You can extend this by adding more toolkits, implementing custom business logic, or building a web interface around the agent.

## How to build Basecamp MCP Agent with another framework

- [ChatGPT](https://composio.dev/toolkits/basecamp/framework/chatgpt)
- [Claude Agent SDK](https://composio.dev/toolkits/basecamp/framework/claude-agents-sdk)
- [Claude Code](https://composio.dev/toolkits/basecamp/framework/claude-code)
- [Claude Cowork](https://composio.dev/toolkits/basecamp/framework/claude-cowork)
- [Codex](https://composio.dev/toolkits/basecamp/framework/codex)
- [Cursor](https://composio.dev/toolkits/basecamp/framework/cursor)
- [VS Code](https://composio.dev/toolkits/basecamp/framework/vscode)
- [OpenCode](https://composio.dev/toolkits/basecamp/framework/opencode)
- [OpenClaw](https://composio.dev/toolkits/basecamp/framework/openclaw)
- [Hermes](https://composio.dev/toolkits/basecamp/framework/hermes-agent)
- [CLI](https://composio.dev/toolkits/basecamp/framework/cli)
- [Google ADK](https://composio.dev/toolkits/basecamp/framework/google-adk)
- [LangChain](https://composio.dev/toolkits/basecamp/framework/langchain)
- [Vercel AI SDK](https://composio.dev/toolkits/basecamp/framework/ai-sdk)
- [Mastra AI](https://composio.dev/toolkits/basecamp/framework/mastra-ai)
- [LlamaIndex](https://composio.dev/toolkits/basecamp/framework/llama-index)
- [CrewAI](https://composio.dev/toolkits/basecamp/framework/crew-ai)

## Related Toolkits

- [Gmail](https://composio.dev/toolkits/gmail) - Gmail is Google's email service with powerful spam protection, search, and G Suite integration. It keeps your inbox organized and makes communication fast and reliable.
- [Outlook](https://composio.dev/toolkits/outlook) - Outlook is Microsoft's email and calendaring platform for unified communications and scheduling. It helps users stay organized with powerful email, contacts, and calendar management.
- [Google Sheets](https://composio.dev/toolkits/googlesheets) - Google Sheets is a cloud-based spreadsheet tool for real-time collaboration and data analysis. It lets teams work together from anywhere, updating information instantly.
- [Notion](https://composio.dev/toolkits/notion) - Notion is a collaborative workspace for notes, docs, wikis, and tasks. It streamlines team knowledge, project tracking, and workflow customization in one place.
- [Slack](https://composio.dev/toolkits/slack) - Slack is a channel-based messaging platform for teams and organizations. It helps people collaborate in real time, share files, and connect all their tools in one place.
- [Airtable](https://composio.dev/toolkits/airtable) - Airtable combines the flexibility of spreadsheets with the power of a database for easy project and data management. Teams use Airtable to organize, track, and collaborate with custom views and automations.
- [Gong](https://composio.dev/toolkits/gong) - Gong is a platform for video meetings, call recording, and team collaboration. It helps teams capture conversations, analyze calls, and turn insights into action.
- [Asana](https://composio.dev/toolkits/asana) - Asana is a collaborative work management platform for teams to organize and track projects. It streamlines teamwork, boosts productivity, and keeps everyone aligned on goals.
- [Google Tasks](https://composio.dev/toolkits/googletasks) - Google Tasks is a to-do list and task management tool integrated into Gmail and Google Calendar. It helps you organize, track, and complete tasks across your Google ecosystem.
- [Linear](https://composio.dev/toolkits/linear) - Linear is a modern issue tracking and project planning tool for fast-moving teams. It helps streamline workflows, organize projects, and boost productivity.
- [Microsoft teams](https://composio.dev/toolkits/microsoft_teams) - Microsoft Teams is a collaboration platform that combines chat, meetings, and file sharing within Microsoft 365. It keeps distributed teams connected and productive through seamless virtual communication.
- [Jira](https://composio.dev/toolkits/jira) - Jira is Atlassian’s platform for bug tracking, issue tracking, and agile project management. It helps teams organize work, prioritize tasks, and deliver projects efficiently.
- [Clickup](https://composio.dev/toolkits/clickup) - ClickUp is an all-in-one productivity platform for managing tasks, docs, goals, and team collaboration. It streamlines project workflows so teams can work smarter and stay organized in one place.
- [Slackbot](https://composio.dev/toolkits/slackbot) - Slackbot is a conversational automation tool for Slack that handles reminders, notifications, and automated responses. It boosts team productivity by streamlining onboarding, answering FAQs, and managing timely alerts—all right inside Slack.
- [Monday](https://composio.dev/toolkits/monday) - Monday.com is a customizable work management platform for project planning and collaboration. It helps teams organize tasks, automate workflows, and track progress in real time.
- [2chat](https://composio.dev/toolkits/_2chat) - 2chat is an API platform for WhatsApp and multichannel text messaging. It streamlines chat automation, group management, and real-time messaging for developers.
- [Addressfinder](https://composio.dev/toolkits/addressfinder) - Addressfinder is a data quality platform for verifying addresses, emails, and phone numbers. It helps you ensure accurate customer and contact data every time.
- [Agent mail](https://composio.dev/toolkits/agent_mail) - Agent mail provides AI agents with dedicated email inboxes for sending, receiving, and managing emails. It empowers agents to communicate autonomously with people, services, and other agents—no human intervention needed.
- [Agiled](https://composio.dev/toolkits/agiled) - Agiled is an all-in-one business management platform for CRM, projects, and finance. It helps you streamline workflows, consolidate client data, and manage business processes in one place.
- [Ascora](https://composio.dev/toolkits/ascora) - Ascora is a cloud-based field service management platform for service businesses. It streamlines scheduling, invoicing, and customer operations in one place.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What are the differences in Tool Router MCP and Basecamp MCP?

With a standalone Basecamp MCP server, the agents and LLMs can only access a fixed set of Basecamp tools tied to that server. However, with the Composio Tool Router, agents can dynamically load tools from Basecamp and many other apps based on the task at hand, all through a single MCP endpoint.

### Can I use Tool Router MCP with OpenAI Agents SDK?

Yes, you can. OpenAI Agents SDK fully supports MCP integration. You get structured tool calling, message history handling, and model orchestration while Tool Router takes care of discovering and serving the right Basecamp tools.

### Can I manage the permissions and scopes for Basecamp while using Tool Router?

Yes, absolutely. You can configure which Basecamp scopes and actions are allowed when connecting your account to Composio. You can also bring your own OAuth credentials or API configuration so you keep full control over what the agent can do.

### How safe is my data with Composio Tool Router?

All sensitive data such as tokens, keys, and configuration is fully encrypted at rest and in transit. Composio is SOC 2 Type 2 compliant and follows strict security practices so your Basecamp data and credentials are handled as safely as possible.

---
[See all toolkits](https://composio.dev/toolkits) · [Composio docs](https://docs.composio.dev/llms.txt)