STUDIES AND OTHER RESEARCH.

SEC. 307. STUDIES AND OTHER RESEARCH. The Women’s Business Ownership Act of 1988 (15 U.S.C. 631 note) is amended by inserting after section 409 (as added by section 306 of this title) the following: “SEC. 410. STUDIES AND OTHER RESEARCH. “(a) In General.— To the extent that it does not delay submission of the report under section 409(b), the Council may also conduct such studies and other research relating to the award of Federal prime contracts and subcontracts to women-owned businesses, or to issues relating to access to credit and investment capital by women entrepreneurs, as the Council determines to be appropriate. “(b) Contract Authority.— In conducting any study or other research under this section, the Council may contract with 1 or more public or private entities.”.