D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 6, r. 6-B2217
A designation of beneficiary shall be either in writing or through electronic submission and received by the personnel authority (or the applicable retirement system office in the case of an annuitant or retiree whose basic DCEGLI coverage is continued) before the death of the insured. In the event that more than one designation exists, the designation with the later date shall be used to determine beneficiaries.
A change or cancellation of beneficiary in a last will or testament, or in any other document not witnessed and filed as required by Subsection 2217.1 of this section, shall not have any effect.
A witness to a designation of beneficiary shall be ineligible to receive payment as a beneficiary.
Any individual, firm, corporation, or legal entity (except an agency of the Federal or District of Columbia governments) may be named as beneficiary.
A designation of beneficiary or a change in beneficiary may be made at any time and without the knowledge or consent of the previous beneficiary. This right shall not be waived or restricted.
If an insured individual provides in a valid designation of beneficiary that a designated beneficiary shall be entitled to the proceeds of the insurance only if the beneficiary survives him or her for a period of time (not more than thirty (30) days) as specified by the designator, no right to the insurance shall vest to that beneficiary. If that beneficiary does not survive the specified period, payment of the proceeds of the insurance shall be made as if the beneficiary had predeceased the insured.
D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 6, r. 6-B2217