Reinforcing critical navigation infrastructure, protecting commercial marine transit, and stabilizing the mouth of the Columbia River against heavy Pacific swell energy, Orion Government Services LLC has been awarded a $26,727,470 firm-fixed-price contract. The civil works marine construction award finances Phase II major maintenance repairs on the North Jetty at the entrance of the Columbia River near Ilwaco, Washington.
Contract Details: At A Glance
| Contractor: | Orion Government Services LLC |
| Award Date: | September 11, 2026 |
| Contract Value: | $26,727,470 |
| Project: | Mouth of the Columbia River North Jetty Major Maintenance (Phase II) |
| Location: | Ilwaco, Washington |
| Contract Number: | W9127N-26-C-A033 |
| Awarding District: | U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Portland District |
District Context & Mission Impact
This major civil works infrastructure project is administered by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Portland District. The Portland District manages multi-purpose navigation, flood risk management, and environmental restoration projects across the Columbia River Basin and Pacific Northwest coastlines. The Mouth of the Columbia River (MCR) jetty system—consisting of the North, South, and Bay Ocean jetties—protects the deep-draft navigation channel that supports tens of billions of dollars in commercial trade annually. Operating in one of the most severe wave environments in North America, the North Jetty suffers continuous erosion, stone settlement, and structural displacement from powerful winter Pacific storms. Executing Phase II major maintenance restores the jetty head and trunk profile using heavy armor stone, preventing channel shoaling and preserving safe transit for commercial shipping, bar pilots, and fishing fleets through 2028.
Contractor Spotlight & Industry Context
Headquartered in Houston, Texas, Orion Government Services LLC (a subsidiary of Orion Group Holdings Inc.) is a premier marine specialty contractor specializing in heavy civil marine construction, industrial dredging, breakwater construction, dock structural restoration, and subsea infrastructure development. Bids were solicited via the internet with two competitive proposals received. Repairing heavy rubble-mound jetties in ocean surf zones requires high-capacity marine derrick barges, land-based heavy cranes, placement of massive multi-ton armor stone, precise hydrographic surveying, and tight seasonal operational windows to navigate extreme wave conditions. Partnering experienced marine specialty contractors with USACE coastal engineers maintains the structural integrity of vital Pacific Northwest maritime gateways.
