15 U.S.C. § 7109

(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.