Actually, the NNA sells us the background check (I'm guessing at a nice profit considering what BGO charges the consumer direct -- http://www.backgroundsonline.com/products-and-services ). The BGC itself is conducted by Backgrounds Online out of Sacramento.
The NNA has a great marketing department. They do a wonderful job. Just look how they've managed to sell so many title companies on the idea of requiring annual BGCs (mostly) from the NNA. Sure, you can go through Sterling. But, (and this is just my understanding as I've never gone through Sterling), if you do then you'd probably have to get a separate BGC for each company requiring one instead of just one through NNA that all will accept.
That association is a money-making machine ... for them. When was the last time they advocated for the notary? For the notary's health and welfare? For the notary's protection from predatory hiring companies? I've been a notary since January 2006 and haven't seen it during that time. I may have missed it; so, someone please 'splain it to me. 
jmo
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