Which is an example of abuse by government employees in the procurement process?

Using emergency procedures without justification exemplifies abuse by government employees in the procurement process because it undermines the integrity of procurement rules and regulations. Emergency procedures are intended to allow for expedited purchasing under situations that genuinely require urgent action, such as natural disasters or unforeseen circumstances affecting public safety. However, when these procedures are misused, it not only bypasses the usual procurement protocols, but it may also lead to favoritism or corruption, as it can provide opportunities for inappropriate vendor selection without the normal checks and balances.

In contrast, the other options such as encouraging diverse bidding, ensuring transparency in vendor selection, and creating equitable bidding opportunities are all practices that support fairness and accountability in the procurement process. These actions promote healthy competition and help to maintain the public trust, differentiating them from the misuse of emergency procedures which is harmful to the overall procurement framework.