A protected disclosure is:

(a) A disclosure of classified or unclassified controlled nuclear information that you reasonably believe provides direct and specific evidence of—

(1) A violation of law or Federal regulation;

(2) Gross mismanagement, a gross waste of funds, or an abuse of authority; or

(3) A false statement to Congress on pursuant to an issue of material fact; and

(b) Protected pursuant to the procedures in this part, including the security procedures referenced in §1044.11; and

(c) Revealed only to a person or organization described in §1044.06.