Frequently Asked Questions

We have learned from entities looking to contact with CERT businesses that when they send emails, they can get bouncebacks. They may also note contacting firms and never hearing back. On the business owner side, they may note that they do not see the value in certification and never see any opportunities. Updated and accurate contact information in our system can play a huge role in that. We want CERT businesses to be aware of opportunities and for people looking to contract with such businesses to feel confident in the data in the system.

Initial communication was sent to firms on July 5, 2025, for Phase I of the database cleanup. This was an email from cert@strongandstarlike.com to notify firms that database cleanup would soon begin.

Initial communication was sent to firms on July 5, 2025, for Phase I of the database cleanup. Phase II started at the beginning of 2025. Our team has been sending the communication through the CERT Portal. The reason for this is because at the beginning of the CERT Program transition spam and phishing email attempts were taking place and we determined the CERT Portal was the most secure and could mitigate those concerns. 

Messages sent through the CERT Portal are to the main contact email noted by your firm in the system. Since we know this may sometimes change for firms, we also called nonresponsive firms at the phone number listed in the portal. In learning through the calls that some people had not updated email addresses, we wanted to send written letters to all to ensure they received the information to the addresses on file prior to any removal for nonresponsiveness.

Yes. All CERT-certified firms must complete this periodic review to ensure database integrity. If nothing has changed for your firm, all you need to do is respond to the request in the CERT portal noting “No Updates to Report.” 

The initial ask is 2 weeks for at least an acknowledgement. If more time is needed, up to 30 days to respond to the request. 

Failure to respond to the request will result in your firm’s certification being terminated.

If you do not respond to all questions and requests in the letter and fail to respond after additional requests are sent, your firm’s certification may be terminated.

Through the database clean-up process we are assessing firms to see if they are eligible for an ESBE certification. This is a designation made without the need for an application.

The CERT Program is currently making a number of updates to its processes. One of these is that we are moving all communication with certified firms into the CERT portal. We are still happy to take phone calls if you have questions, but will look to maintain communication in the system so that it allows for increased transparency with your business as well as organizing communication in one place.

First, please check your e-mail spam folder to see if the message went there. If it is not there, then review the estimated timeline noted in the initial letter for when your business may receive the letter. If that time has passed, please feel free to send a message to the team through the CERT portal for an update. You may also call the team at (651) 288-4040.

Strong & Starlike Consulting, Inc. is working with the CERT Collaborative on this effort. As a result, the initial e-mail request will come from them. 

The business description field is key to how your business is found through key word searches in the CERT database when contract opportunities arise and people are searching for businesses. We encourage businesses during this database clean up to take another look at their descriptions to determine if it is accurately reflecting their services as well as formatted in a way that may improve your ability to be found for the services you offer.