[Former Spouse's Claim for Retired Air Force Member's SBP]

The former spouse of a deceased retired Air Force member claimed entitlement to be designated the beneficiary of the decedent's Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP), contending that the final divorce decree ordered the decedent to designate the claimant as the SBP beneficiary. GAO held that: (1) the decedent failed to follow SBP law and make the designation within one year of the divorce; and (2) a subsequent court order that the decedent elect the claimant as the SBP beneficiary did not change the 1-year time period for making such an election. Accordingly, the claim was denied.