Public employment is a public trust. It is the policy of this Commonwealth to promote and balance the objective of protecting government integrity and the objective of facilitating the recruitment and retention of personnel needed by this Commonwealth. Implementation of this policy requires that public employees discharge their duties impartially so as to assure fair competitive access to Commonwealth agency procurement by responsible contractors and that they conduct themselves in a manner that fosters public confidence in the integrity of the Commonwealth procurement process. It is also essential that those doing business with the Commonwealth agencies observe high standards of honesty and integrity.