(a) In general 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. (b) Contract authority 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.) Editorial Notes Prior Provisions A prior section 409 of Pub. L. 100–533 , as added Pub. L. 105–135, title III, § 306 , Dec. 2, 1997 , 111 Stat. 2610 , related to the National Women’s Business Council procurement project, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 106–554, § 1(a)(9) [title VII, § 703] , Dec. 21, 2000 , 114 Stat. 2763 , 2763A–701. Another prior section 409 of Pub. L. 100–533 was renumbered section 410 and is classified to section 7110 of this title . Amendments 2000— Pub. L. 106–554 amended section catchline and text generally. Prior to amendment, text provided conditional authorization for the Council to conduct studies and 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 and to contract with other entities to conduct such studies and research. Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries Effective Date Section effective Oct. 1, 1997 , see section 3 of Pub. L. 105–135 , set out as an Effective Date of 1997 Amendment note under section 631 of this title .