NACE 80.1 – Private Security Activities | Public Tenders

Definition: NACE 80.1 covers the economic activity of private companies providing guarding, protection and security services. In public procurement, site and works security for government buildings, courts, schools and cultural institutions are among the most frequently tendered security services.

Legal basis: NACE Rev. 2 (Regulation (EC) No 1893/2006) · Last updated: January 2026

What does NACE 80.1 cover?

NACE 80.1 (Private security activities) classifies companies that protect property, persons and assets by deploying security personnel — a permanent core component of public procurement.

Group 80.1 within Section N (administrative and support service activities) and Division 80 comprises the following activities:

Public contracting authorities under NACE 80.1 are federal authorities, regional authorities, courts, educational institutions, municipal administrations, hospitals and public cultural institutions.

Public Tenders: NACE 80.1 in Practice

Security services are among the most frequently tendered services awarded by public bodies — hundreds of award procedures for guarding services are conducted in Germany and Austria each year.

Typical types of contract

• Site guarding: Round-the-clock guarding of public buildings, courts, tax offices and town halls
• Reception and front-of-house: Visitor management, access control and ID checks at public-authority entrances
• School security: Order and security services at public schools and educational institutions
• Refugee accommodation: Guarding and security management in shared accommodation
• Event security: Stewarding and security services at trade fairs, city festivals and sporting events with a public mandate
• Mobile patrols: Mobile patrols on public-authority sites and in publicly owned residential complexes

Thresholds and procedure types

Guarding services are awarded as service contracts. The EU threshold for other public contracting authorities is EUR 443,000 (as of 2024/2025). Because guarding services are frequently awarded as framework agreements covering several years and multiple sites, contract volumes regularly exceed this threshold.

Relevant CPV Codes for NACE 80.1

For targeted searches for tenders in the area of guarding and security, the following CPV codes are relevant.

Current tenders with these CPV codes are published on TED (Tenders Electronic Daily) and on national procurement platforms.

Who is NACE 80.1 relevant to in procurement law?

Public Contracting Authorities

The public sector is one of the largest buyers of private security services. In Germany, federal authorities — via the Federal Office for Central Services (BADV), federal ministries, regional authorities and municipalities — regularly tender guarding services. In Austria, the Federal Ministry of the Interior (BMI), as well as regional and municipal authorities, are active contracting authorities. Asylum and accommodation facilities as well as public hospitals are also particularly significant.

Companies and Bidders

Security companies participating in public tenders must meet specific requirements:

• Trade authorisation: Guarding trade authorisation under § 34a GewO (Germany) or the licensing obligation under GewO 1994 (Austria)
• Competence evidence: Certified training of the personnel deployed (IHK competence certificate, guarding register)
• Collective bargaining compliance: Compliance with the minimum wage in the guarding and security industry (sector minimum wage)
• Insurance cover: Operating liability insurance at sufficient levels
• Reliability check: Certificates of good conduct and clearance certificates for personnel
• Quality management: ISO 9001 or industry-specific certifications (DIN 77200)

NACE 80.1 in Context: Division 80

NACE 80.1 is part of Division 80 (security and investigation activities) within the services sector.

• NACE 80 – Security and investigation activities: Parent division
• NACE 80.2 – Security systems service activities: Video surveillance, alarm management
• NACE 80.3 – Investigation activities: Investigation and detective services
• NACE 81.1 – Combined facilities support activities: Supplementary facility management services

Frequently Asked Questions on NACE 80.1 and Public Tenders

What minimum requirements do public contracting authorities set for security companies?
In addition to trade authorisation, evidence of staff qualifications (competence certificate under § 34a GewO), reliability checks, sufficient insurance cover and compliance with the sector minimum wage are regularly required.

How do I find current tenders for guarding services?
On TED via CPV search (e.g. 79710000, 79713000). National tenders can be found on DTVP, vergabe.de and the regional portals, as well as on the Austrian federal procurement portal.

Are guarding services awarded in lots?
Yes, for contracting authorities with multiple buildings or sites, lot splits by building, location or activity type (static service, mobile patrol) are common and are in principle required under § 97 (4) GWB.

Does the guarding industry minimum wage also apply to public-sector contracts?
Yes. The minimum wage in the guarding sector applies without exception. In addition, many public tenders contain collective-agreement clauses requiring payment of collectively agreed wages on a mandatory basis.

Last updated: January 2026
All information is provided without guarantee. For legally binding advice, please consult a law firm specialising in public procurement law.