[Disposition of Deceased DOE Employee's Unpaid Compensation]

The Department of Energy (DOE) requested an advance decision concerning conflicting claims for a deceased employee's unpaid compensation from his widow and his father. GAO held that: (1) the decedent had designated his father as beneficiary; and (2) this designation took precedence over any state, local, or court authority. Accordingly, DOE should make payment to the decedent's father.