The Council may conduct such studies and other research relating to the award of Federal prime contracts and subcontracts to women-owned businesses, to access to credit and investment capital by women entrepreneurs, or to other issues relating to women-owned businesses, as the Council determines to be appropriate.

In conducting any study or other research under this section, the Council may contract with one or more public or private entities.

(Pub. L. 100–533, title IV, § 409, formerly § 410, as added Pub. L. 105–135, title III, § 307, Dec. 2, 1997, 111 Stat. 2611; renumbered § 409 and amended Pub. L. 106–554, § 1(a)(9) [title VII, § 704], Dec. 21, 2000, 114 Stat. 2763, 2763A–701.)