For purposes of this subpart:

(a) Agency designee means an individual serving in a position in DOE requiring appointment by the President of the United States with the advice and consent of the Senate.

(b) Authorized communication means any transmission of scientific or technological information to any DOE office or official that is approved by DOE under § 1010.203 of this subpart.

(c) DOE means the U.S. Department of Energy.

(d) Scientific or technological information means: Information of a scientific or technological character, such as technical or engineering information relating to the natural sciences. The exception does not extend to information associated with a nontechnical discipline such as law, economics, or political science.

(e) Incidental references or remarks. Provided the former employee's communication primarily conveys information of a scientific or technological character, the entirety of the communication will be deemed made solely for the purpose of furnishing such information notwithstanding an incidental reference or remark:

(1) Unrelated to the matter to which the post-employment restriction applies;

(2) Concerning feasibility, risk, cost, speed of implementation, or other considerations when necessary to appreciate the practical significance of the basic scientific or technological information provided; or

(3) Intended to facilitate the furnishing of scientific or technological information, such as those references or remarks necessary to determine the kind and form of information required or the adequacy of information already supplied.