  Digital engineering practices offer significant yet underutilized potential
for improving information assurance and system lifecycle management. This paper
examines how capabilities like model-based engineering, digital threads, and
integrated product lifecycles can address gaps in prevailing frameworks. A
reference model demonstrates applying digital engineering techniques to a
reference information system, exhibiting enhanced traceability, risk
visibility, accuracy, and integration. The model links strategic needs to
requirements and architecture while reusing authoritative elements across
views. Analysis of the model shows digital engineering closes gaps in
compliance, monitoring, change management, and risk assessment. Findings
indicate purposeful digital engineering adoption could transform cybersecurity,
operations, service delivery, and system governance through comprehensive
digital system representations. This research provides a foundation for
maturing application of digital engineering for information systems as
organizations modernize infrastructure and pursue digital transformation.
