How are federal agencies and government contractors different from private $($non$-$government$)$ employers with respect to EEO obligations?

Federal agencies$/$government contractors must adhere to stricter EEO regulations, such as mandatory affirmative action plans.

Federal agencies$/$government contractors have less strict EEO regulations and can occasionally openly discriminate.

There are no differences in EEO laws between government and non$-$government employers.

Federal agencies are required to give preferential treatment to members "protected groups" $($e$.$g$.,$ women, older workers, minorities$)$; even if they are not qualified to perform the job.