The purpose and intent of this Chapter is to remedy the effects of discrimination against minority business enterprises (MBEs) and women's business enterprises (WBEs), to prevent Pierce County from directly or indirectly participating in or perpetuating the effects of such discrimination, and to ensure that neither the County nor its contractors, consultants, subcontractors, subconsultants, suppliers, or vendors discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, sex, age, marital status, national origin, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical handicap, in any of their employment practices, and to encourage economic development and competition for Pierce County public works contracts as defined in RCW 39.04.010, as well as Pierce County consultant, supply and service contracts. The provisions of this Chapter shall be liberally construed for the accomplishment of the policies and purposes of this Chapter.