A protected disclosure is:

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

   1. (1) A violation of law or Federal regulation;
   2. (2) Gross mismanagement, a gross waste of funds, or an abuse of authority; or
   3. (3) A false statement to Congress on pursuant to an issue of material fact; and
2. (b) Protected pursuant to the procedures in this part, including the security procedures referenced in § 1044.11; and
3. (c) Revealed only to a person or organization described in § 1044.06.