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.