Three local vendors have won Government’s tyre contract in a move saving taxpayers $170,000, Premier Paula Cox revealed yesterday.The Procurement Office reached out to companies who may have been unaware that the contract had been put out to tender, but offer good value for money, Ms Cox told a press conference.Discount Tyre & Wheel, Affordable Tyre and Bermuda Tyre Company scooped the contract, which is worth just over $1 million, to supply tyres for Bermuda Police Service, the Public Transport Board, Bermuda Fire Service and Public Works.Ms Cox said individual Government departments previously paid differing amounts for their tyres; under the new system tyres will be supplied to all departments as part of the same deal.The Premier said: “The award of this contract, which is valid until March 2013, will realise a saving of $170,000, while, at the same time, meeting the Government’s commitment to spread its purchasing power.”Ms Cox had previously stated her intention to shake up the way Government hands out contracts, following accusations of cronyism and overspending in the Ewart Brown administration.Yesterday, she said the Procurement Office has been evaluating contracts for goods and services which are common across all Government departments, to ensure it gets the best value for money.After announcing the tyres deal, she said: “This is only the beginning. The office have started the review process for paper and other stationery; photocopiers; printers and scanners; cleaning contracts; cell phones; uniforms; and travel.“Within the next few months, a request for tender will be published for paper. The same process and rationale that was successful with the tyre contract will be used in the awarding of contracts for paper and other products and services.”Ms Cox encouraged businesses to regularly check the Official Gazette in the Bermuda Sun for publication of requests for tender, while the Procurement Office will also be developing a website to improve awareness of contract opportunities.She urged companies to call the interim director of Project Management and Procurement on 295-5151 ext 1316; or the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation on 292-5570.