Part 2: Principles and objectives Section 12: Covered procurement: objectives
Subsection (1) requires that contracting authorities have regard to the importance of the objectives listed when carrying out a covered procurement.
	Subsection (2) imposes on contracting authorities an obligation to treat suppliers the same in carrying out a covered procurement, unless differences between the suppliers justify different treatment.
	Subsection (3) clarifies that, even if different treatment for suppliers is justified, contracting authorities must take all reasonable steps to make sure the different treatment does not put a supplier at an unfair advantage or disadvantage.
	Subsection (4) requires contracting authorities, in carrying out a covered procurement, to have regard to the particular barriers to participation in public procurement that small and medium-sized enterprises may have, and whether they can be removed or reduced. Section 122 (interpretation) defines what "small and medium-sized enterprises" means.