CPV 311 – Electric Motors, Generators and Transformers

What does CPV Group 311 cover?

CPV Group 311 (31100000) classifies public contracts for electric motors, generators and transformers – the fundamental energy conversion and distribution devices in electrical systems. This includes three-phase induction motors, DC motors and servo drives, diesel and gas-powered emergency generators, photovoltaic inverters, distribution transformers and power transformers, uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems, automatic voltage regulators and transformer stations.

Public sector demand for this equipment is driven by infrastructure reliability requirements and the energy transition. Hospitals procure emergency generators rated from 100 kVA to several MVA to maintain critical care functions during grid outages. Water and wastewater utilities procure submersible pump motors and control transformers for pumping stations. Municipal utilities and grid operators procure distribution transformers and compact transformer stations for their electricity networks. Public buildings undergoing energy refurbishment procure high-efficiency motors for HVAC systems and lifts.

UPS systems for data centres, server rooms and critical administrative IT infrastructure represent a growing procurement category as public authorities digitise their operations. Transformer procurement often involves Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) requirements and detailed technical specifications relating to efficiency class, short-circuit impedance and cooling method.

Further information on the CPV system is available from the European Commission (SIMAP) and Regulation (EC) No 213/2008 amending the CPV.

Typical Services in CPV 311

• Diesel emergency generators (standby and prime power)
• Distribution transformers and compact transformer stations
• UPS systems for IT infrastructure and critical systems
• High-efficiency electric motors for HVAC and pump applications
• Solar inverters and battery storage systems
• Automatic transfer switches and generator control panels

Examples of Tenders with CPV 311

• Diesel emergency generator for a hospital new-build: A municipal hospital procures a 630 kVA standby generator with automatic transfer switch, remote monitoring, a 48-hour fuel tank and weatherproof enclosure for its new emergency department.
• Distribution transformer for a municipal utility: A municipal electricity grid operator procures ten 630 kVA oil-insulated distribution transformers for its medium-to-low voltage substations, with factory acceptance testing and five-year warranty.
• UPS system for a federal data centre: A federal IT authority procures a modular UPS system with 200 kVA capacity and 30-minute battery autonomy for its primary data centre, including remote monitoring software and a five-year maintenance contract.

Current tenders with CPV 311 are published on TED (Tenders Electronic Daily) and on national procurement platforms.

Who is CPV 311 relevant for?

Public Contracting Authorities

Hospitals, municipal utilities and grid operators, water and wastewater authorities, federal and state data centres, and public building management services are the primary contracting authorities under CPV 311. Technical specifications for this equipment are typically detailed and demanding, reflecting the critical nature of the applications.

Companies and Bidders

Generator manufacturers and dealers, transformer producers, UPS system integrators and motor and drive technology specialists are the main bidders. Factory test capability, compliance with EU efficiency regulations (IE class for motors, EU 2019/1783 for transformers), warranty and service network within the operating region are decisive eligibility criteria.

Information on eligibility criteria and procurement procedures is available from the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK).

How does Bond help with CPV 311?

Tender Match – Automatically Find Tenders (CPV 311)

With tender.match, generator manufacturers, transformer suppliers and UPS system integrators automatically receive all relevant tenders with CPV 311 directly in their dashboard. BOND indexes tenders from over 1,000 procurement portals in the EU – from TED to national platforms and regional contracting authorities. Instead of manually searching dozens of portals every day, matching power equipment contracts are filtered and delivered by industry, competency, region, and company profile. An automated gap analysis immediately shows where the company meets the requirements and where gaps exist. This ensures companies never miss a deadline and can focus on preparing their bids.

Company Match – Find the Right Partners and Suppliers (CPV 311)

For companies looking for suppliers, subcontractors, or consortium partners for power equipment projects, company.match provides direct access to qualified firms from an EU-wide database of over 28 million companies. Especially for larger power system supply projects, company.match automatically identifies suitable partners for bidding consortia and partial services – increasing the chances of winning the contract.

Frequently Asked Questions about CPV 311

What does the CPV code 31100000 mean?

The CPV code 31100000 covers the group "Electric Motors, Generators and Transformers" in the EU's Common Procurement Vocabulary. It classifies public contracts for the supply of generators, distribution transformers, UPS systems and electric motors to public institutions with critical power supply requirements.

How do I find tenders with CPV 311?

Tenders with CPV 311 are published at EU level on TED. Below-threshold contracts are commonly found on national platforms. Bond aggregates all sources and delivers targeted results.

What are the requirements for participating in tenders with CPV 311?

Requirements typically include CE conformity documentation, EU efficiency class compliance, factory acceptance test capability, warranty and service network evidence and references for comparable power equipment supply. Details are governed by the VgV or the UVgO depending on contract value.