This article shall be construed and applied to promote its underlying purposes and policies, which are to:

1. (1) simplify, clarify, and modernize the law governing public works and professional service contracts;
2. (2) maintain public confidence in the procedures surrounding the awarding and administration of public works and professional service contracts;
3. (3) ensure fair and equitable treatment of all persons who deal with the public works system covered by this article;
4. (4) provide increased economy in public works activities covered by this article and maximize the purchasing value of the public funds of this state;
5. (5) foster effective broad based competition within the free enterprise system; and
6. (6) provide safeguards for the maintenance of a public works system of quality and integrity.

As added by P.L.24-1985, SEC.7.