(a) DOE encourages the participation in financial assistance awards of small businesses, including those owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals and women, of historically black colleges, and of colleges and universities with substantial minority enrollments.

(b) For definitions of the terms in paragraph (a) of this section, see the Higher Education Act of 1965, and 15 U.S.C. 644,as,and.

(c) When entering into contracts under financial assistance awards, recipients and subrecipients shall comply with the requirements of §§ 600.144, 600.236 and 600.331, as applicable.