The efficiencies given in NEMA standards refer to an average efficiency for all motors of a particular category. Then NEMA defines an allowable deviation from this average value. So a motor with a specified NEMA nominal efficiency can actually have an eff. that is lower than what on the nameplate and still meet NEMA standards.
A "minimum guaranteed efficiency" is just that. The manuf. will warrant that for this particular motor, it will have an eff. of at least this amount. In actuality, it will probably be higher than this.
If you are specifying a required efficiency, you must be clear if this a nominal value per NEMA or a minimum guaranteed value. You should also specify a test method to be used as the basis for the efficiency. The motor standards differ on how efficiency is measured and calculated.
It's generally worthwhile to specifiy a high-efficiency motor, but just specifying "high-efficiency" doesn't really buy you anything - you have to be more specific.