The axiological framework for activities undertaken on the public procurement market is determined by the principles of awarding contracts. These principles are carriers of high values, such as honesty, equality, impartiality and objectivity. Entities operating on the public procurement market should act in accordance with these values. Since the principles are not norms of conduct, in order to reconstruct the patterns of proper behaviour of contracting authorities and economic operators, the principles of awarding contracts have to be translated into specific obligations. The proper functioning of the procurement segment of the economy depends on the degree of their implementation.