Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) is the evolved practice of systems engineering in which descriptive models replace documents as the authoritative artifact capturing SE knowledge. MBSE practitioners often readily create models that provide localized value but have limited utility for broader use. However, if the models are intended to be more broadly used, reused, and federated, standards are needed to advance these models’ quality, value, usability, and interoperability, particularly when the context is the establishment of a comprehensive digital engineering (DE) ecosystem. This paper describes the problem of model interoperability in MBSE within this DE context and the role that standards fulfil to facilitate broader use, reuse, and federation of models. It also describes a research and collaboration agenda of standards to advance model quality, content, usability, and interoperability.